2024 was filled with so many controversial TV moments that ED! has been left with no choice but to remind everyone.
From Phillip Schofield’s unexpected return to television to Jermaine Jenas being sacked and Graziano Di Prima’s axing from Strictly Come Dancing, here are the most shocking moments from the past 12 months.
Controversial TV Moments: Phillip Schofield Cast Away
2023 was a rough year for former TV presenter Phillip Schofield, to say the least. Following months of speculation, the 62-year-old admitted that he had been lying to everyone at ITV and his family about his affair with a much younger employee.
While he confessed the relationship was “unwise,” Phillip clarified that it wasn’t “illegal”. The revelation was made just days after he had suddenly quit working for ITV, causing a huge media frenzy.
Phillip continued to receive backlash in the forthcoming months and kept a low profile from showbiz, until September this year.
Announcing his unexpected return to TV, Phillip starred in his own Channel 5 show, Cast Away, which saw him confront his personal challenges on a remote island for 10 days.
Despite not being afraid to be vulnerable on the show, Cast Away was still met with a mixed response. The Guardian gave the show two stars out of five, claiming he came across as “incredibly bitter”.
The Evening Standard gave the show the same rating, insisting it’s best to avoid watching it.
Following his exit from ITV, Phillip Schofield made his TV comeback on Channel 5’s Cast Away (Credit: Channel 5)
Stephen Mulhern replaces Phillip Schofield on Dancing On Ice
After Phillip walked away from ITV, many questioned who would be his replacement for Dancing On Ice in the new year.
Following months of speculation, it was eventually revealed to be Stephen Mulhern.
With a new dynamic to the show, viewers admitted they preferred watching Stephen with co-host Holly Willoughby to Phillip.
“Great to see Holly back and the gift that keeps on giving the fantastic Stephen Mulhern. He’s brought more life back into the presenting of this show than ever before,” one X user wrote.
“Stephen & Holly have always been a great pair together. I remember them on Saturday morning kids’ TV,” another person shared.
“You wouldn’t have got Philip Schofield doing that funny opening to Ricky Hatton’s routine. Another reason why Stephen Mulhern is such a vast improvement as co-host,” a third remarked.
Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley join This Morning
After Phillip left This Morning, his co-host Holly Willoughby did months later. This meant ITV was on the hunt for two new permanent presenters.
With the show experimenting with different duos for months, ITV finally settled on Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley in March.
Despite their previous experience, the decision was met with a mixed bag from the public.
“Cat Deeley was fine as a TV presenter on children’s TV but she seems so safe and bland now, Ben is ok but safe. The show needed a full revamp #ThisMorning,” one user wrote.
“Half an hour in and I’m bored. Bring back Dermot, Alison, Josie and Craig,” another shared.
Ben and Cat joined This Morning in March (Credit: ITV)
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