Phillip Schofield returns for second series of Mr & Mrs

Phillip Schofield returns for second series of Mr & Mrs

Phillip Schofield’s “telly wife” Fern Britton has been given the boot, leaving Pip the show’s only host.

Not only that, they might have to rename it Mr Mr because Corrie favourite Antony Cotton and his long-term partner Peter Eccleston have signed up.

No doubt that title change would delight Antony, who plays barman and knicker-stitcher Sean Tully.

Speaking in support of gay marriage, he said recently: “My view is simple â€" equality is equality is equality.

“If the Church is to remain relevant, it has to move with the times.”

All Star Mr Mrs was rested last year, but will return with a glitzy new set this autumn.

Other celebs lined-up to be grilled about their other halves will include past and present EastEnders actors Martin Kemp, Jo Joyner, Patsy Palmer and Nadia Sawalha, sports heroes John Barnes and Michael Owen, and pop stars Stacey Solomon, Harry Judd, Rachel Stevens and Shaun Ryder.

Phillip is looking forward to hosting it alone. He said: “It’s such a fun show to do.”

And he told fans he hadn’t fallen out with Fern, saying:

“She just doesn’t work for ITV these days.”