Viewers rushed to social media to share their shock as ITV aired an episode of Family Fortunes with a rather “awkward” This Morning-themed question.
In case you missed it, Phillip Schofield announced this past weekend that he was to step down from presenting the ITV daytime show, This Morning, with immediate effect after fronting the programme for the past 21 years.
The 61-year-old first took the presenting reins of the show back in 2002.
Alongside co-presenter Holly Willoughby, Schofield became a well-known face on daytime television and went on to win numerous awards for his presenting work over the past two decades – but in recent weeks, rumours began swirling within the media that his professional relationship and off-screen friendship with Willoughby has soured.
Schofield’s stepping down from the presenting role also comes after he had taken several weeks off-air recently – some as pre-planned leave, and some while his brother, Timothy Schofield, faced trial for sexual abuse against a teenage boy.
ADVERTISEMENT
Viewers in shock as ITV airs ‘awkward’ This Morning presenters question on Family Fortunes / Credit: ITV
So, as you can gather, it’s been a bit of a whirlwind few weeks for Schofield and This Morning – which is probably why viewers who tuned in to watch a scheduled episode of Family Fortunes yesterday evening were shocked to see contestants asked a question about This Morning presenters.
In typical Family Fortunes question style, host Gino D’Acampo asked the contestants to “name someone who appears on the TV show This Morning”.
ADVERTISEMENT
The coincidental (or not?) timing of the pre-filmed episode with that question in being aired seems to be what shocked viewers most though, as it’s probably not that shocking to find that the top two answers to the question where, of course, Phil and Holly.
And this irony didn’t go unnoticed on social media.
Oh god #FamilyFortunes on ITV just had the question “name somebody who regularly appears on the TV show This Morning.”
The top answers were Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
TV critic Scott Bryan said: “Oh god Family Fortunes on ITV just had the question ‘name somebody who regularly appears on the TV show This Morning.’ The top answers were Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Another viewer aptly called it “bad timing”.
“Unfortunate choice of Family Fortunes category tonight,” a third person said on Twitter, while a fourth added: “This is awkward. Family Fortunes got a question about This Morning, oh Lord and Philip Schofield is the spot prize…”
One viewer also questioned: “I wonder if Phillip Schofield is watching Family Fortunes right now?”
Question on #FamilyFortunes right now: "Name somebody who regularly appears on the TV show This Morning"
ITV couldn't have chosen a better weekend to air this episode if they tried! 😂 #ThisMorning
Addressing Schofield’s departure from This Morning, Kevin Lygo – Managing Director of Media and Entertainment at ITV – said in a statement over the weekend: “Phillip is hands down one of the best broadcasters of his generation and we thank him for his two decades worth of absolutely terrific television on the This Morning sofa.
“This Morning is made by one of the best and most diligent teams in television, who produce over 12 hours of live television each week.
“We look forward to continuing our relationship with Phillip starting with The British Soap Awards in June and a brand new peak time series to come.”
Featured Image – ITV
TV & Showbiz
Iconic Manc movie 24 Hour Party People is set to return to cinemas for its anniversary
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s most iconic movies is set to return to the big screen next month.
Remastered in 4K and returning to UK cinemas to mark 24 years since its original release, Michael Winterbottom’s 2002 biographical comedy drama film, 24 Hour Party People, tells the story of Manchester‘s popular music community from 1976 to 1992 – specifically about Factory Records‘ founder Tony Wilson.
The film begins with the punk rock era of the late 1970s, before moving through the 1980s into the rave and DJ culture, and of course, the ‘Madchester‘ scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The narrative largely follows the career of Tony Wilson, played by Middleton-born actor Steve Coogan, while also covering the careers of the major Factory Records artists – especially Joy Division and New Order, as well as A Certain Ratio, The Durutti Column, and Happy Mondays.
If you haven’t seen 24 Hour Party People before, it’s a dramatisation based on a combination of real events, rumours, and urban legends, as the film is sure to make clear.
Coogan is joined by a cast by a mixture of big names and, at the time, rising stars like Paddy Considine, Shirley Henderson, Lennie James, John Simm, Ralf Little, Andy Serkis, Sean Harris, John Thomson, and even Peter Kay, alongside cameos from other figures connected to the Manchester music scene.
Before it returns to cinemas, the film will first open music and media festival/conference, Beyond The Music, at MediaCity in Salford on 6 October.
The screening at the festival will also be followed by a Q&A with Coogan, Winterbottom, and producer Andrew Eaton.
24 Hour Party People will then be re-released in UK cinemas from 9 October, and you can check your local cinema for screening times and book tickets online now.
Featured Image – Altitude
TV & Showbiz
Bury actress Kate O’Flynn wins big at 2026 Emmys with record-breaking comedy show
Emily Sergeant
Did you know that one of the big winners at the 2026 Emmy Awards last night was actually an actress from Bury?
In case it wasn’t on your radar, American television‘s biggest night, the Emmys, took place yesterday evening over in Los Angeles, and several records were broken in the process – including Apple TV’s comedy horror Widow’s Bay taking home the most Emmys ever for a single series of a comedy show, with 14 of them.
Widow’s Bay tells the story of mayor Tom Loftis, played by Welsh actor Matthew Rhys, who is trying to boost tourism on his rugged New England island, but must navigate several strange events that suggest it might be cursed.
Created by Katie Dippold, and executive produced and directed by Hiro Murai, Widow’s Bay was released in late April to widespread critical acclaim.
At the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards last night, the show scooped a record 14 awards, including for Outstanding Comedy Series, several acting wins, and wins for directing and writing too.
One of those acting wins was Kate O’Flynn for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series – an actress who hails from the Greater Manchester town of Bury.
Kate stars as Patricia Moyer, mayor Tom’s eccentric assistant in the show.
She grew up in Holcombe Brook near Ramsbottom, and was educated at Bury Grammar School, before she went on to train at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Acting in 2006.
Taking to the stage to accept her award last night, Kate said in her speech: “I want to thank our mayor [Matthew Rhys] and all the residents of Widow’s Bay, in front and behind the camera – you’re amazing. This is the role of a lifetime, thank you Katie and Hiro for trusting a Lancashire lass to play a sassy broad like Patricia. And thank you Apple [TV] for saying yes.
“Thank you Nicky and Tony for looking after me, my family back home, my mum and dad, and the loves of my life, my husband and our darling daughter – another sassy broad in the making.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd May 2023 
