Phillip Schofield's year from hell - mum's death, brother's jailing and divisive TV return

Phillip Schofield revealed on Monday his mum Pat has died at the age of 88 in an emotional statement in which he said he will 'forever be proud and privileged that she was my mum'

Phillip Schofield shared the heartbreaking news on Monday that his beloved mother had passed away at the age of 88.

The former This Morning presenter paid an emotional tribute to mum Pat on his Instagram account as he explained how she had "decided it was time to go to her beloved Brian". In the touching message, Phillip, 62, said: "Over three days, we held her, loved her, hugged her and said everything that needed to be said. She was calm, peaceful, beautiful and dignified. I will forever be proud and privileged that she was my mum."

The duo shared a bond that was labelled "unbreakable" with his mum being the person - along with ex-wife Stephanie - that he often turned to for comfort. Phillip previously gushed over their close bond and told of his mother's reaction to him coming out. He previously said: "I went down to see her, she's down in Cornwall, and I went down to see her. And I told her and she said, 'Oh, ok, well, I don't care' - and that's the same with everyone."

READ MORE: Phillip Schofield's daughter makes an emotional request as TV star's beloved mum dies

READ MORE: Phillip Schofield's final photo with beloved mum Pat before her sad death

He has also shared a number of hilarious moments with his mum with fans over the years. Among them, was an amusing texting exchange when his mum told him she "had her nails done" and she couldn't type properly "until they're dry".

In the texts, mum Pat wrote: "No I know but I hate the…," to which, Phillip instantly replied: "Mess? Loooool. I'll finish your sentence for you." After seeing his message, Pat hit back: "Mess sorry had my nails done now I can't type."

When Phillip left his role on This Morning, he also headed to her home in Cornwall. Following her death, Phillip shared a reel of images of the pair. Sharing some of their final memories together, Phillip is seen in one snap with his arm around her. In the image they are seen in the countryside, while in another they are smiling at the theatre.

The final image he shared on his page was of himself and Pat flashing huge smalls as they took a photo together in front of the Blackpool Tower.

While he didn't confirm her cause of death, Phillip previously opened up about his mother’s health woes during his time on a remote island filming Channel 5 series Cast Away, which aired last month.

He explained his shock when both his mum and brother were diagnosed with the same serious health condition. Phillip cut ties with his brother Timothy, 54, after he was sentenced to a 12-year prison term last year following his conviction for sexually abusing a vulnerable teenage boy over three years.

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