Caroline Flack’s mother has expressed fear about Phillip Schofield as a result of the’relentless’ criticism following his affair disclosure.
Christine Flack spoke on Newsnight with Victoria Derbyshire on Friday, just one day after the former This Morning host said he is ‘utterly shattered’ after ‘lost everything’ as a result of his falsehoods.
Her presence on the BBC show also came after Phil said that he understands how former Love Island anchor Flack felt before she committed suicide in 2020 while awaiting a court hearing on assault charges.
Christine began by saying: ‘It worries me because it’s relentless on him. I do feel worried for him.’
Asked for her thoughts on why Phil referenced Flack in a recent interview, she responded: ‘He knew Caroline and I must say, when she died, he was very upset. I think now, he’s realised even more what she went through.’
Phillip admitted on the ITV daytime show this week that he had an affair with a young male runner, after previously dismissing the rumours.
He called the affair “unwise” since it occurred at work when he was married and hadn’t yet come out as homosexual.
‘I hate the thought that Phillip and this young man are going through such an awful time, Christine continued.
‘It’s bad enough when it’s in private, but when it’s in every single paper, let’s hope for the best. I send my regards to Phillip and the young lad and I hope they get over this, and they will.’
She then urged: ‘Don’t do anything silly. You’ve got your daughters and you’ve got your friends. I hope the young lad has someone as well.’
Christine has been quite vocal about mental health and the media frenzy that resulted in her daughter’s death at the age of 40.
Phil told the BBC earlier this week that his daughters, Molly, 29, and Ruby, 27, are frightened to leave his side because he is suicidal.
‘It is day after day after day after day. If you do that, and you don’t think that is going to have the most catastrophic effect on someone’s mind, what do you want?’ he said.
‘Do you want me to die? Because that’s where I am.’
Need support?
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
If you’re a young person, or concerned about a young person, you can also contact PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide UK. Their HOPELINK digital support platform is open 24/7, or you can call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org between the hours of 9am and midnight.
Source My Celebrity Life.