Philippe Schofield made a brief surprise appearance during the tribute to Paul O’Grady at the National Television Awards Tuesday evening (September 5).

The EX-This morning the presenter, 61, was unable to attend the awards in person for the first time, as a former co-host Holly Willoughby42 years old, walked the red carpet without him.

During a tribute video to the late presenter O’Grady, who performed to the audience at London’s O2, there was a short clip of the Lily Savage star winning an NTA many years ago.

In the clip, a younger Schofield can be seen on a screen in the upper left corner.

Schofield left ITV This morning program and the broadcaster itself in May after admitting to a relationship with a younger former colleague, with his departure sparking fresh allegations that the show fostered a “toxic” bullying culture.

The presenter admitted he lied to his employers, Willoughby, his agent and his family about the nature of his relationship with his colleague, calling it a “reckless” but not “illegal” affair.

Willoughby said it was “very hurtful” to find out his co-star had lied about the relationship.

Last month, ITV boss Kevin Lygo says channel has ‘nothing to hide’ as he confirmed, they are cooperating with the independent investigation being undertaken into Schofield.

Jane Mulcahy KC is currently leading an external review of the facts following Schofield’s departure, which is expected to be completed in September.

Speaking at the Edinburgh Television Festival, Lygo said: “[Mulcahy] spoke to everyone involved, they take your phone and review every text you sent, email, WhatsApp.

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“So everything is available, a lot of interviews, I’m talking to everyone and hopefully as soon as possible, but probably in September she will release it.”

ITV bosses have previously said Schofield and her young lover “repeatedly denied” the relationship allegations until Schofield quit the network and officially apologized.

The chain’s chief executive, Dame Carolyn McCall, told MPs that “we were repeatedly told nothing was happening” and both men denied it “both formally and informally”.

This year’s NTAs saw This morning misses the Daytime award for the first time in 12 years. Instead, the BBC show The repair shop brought home the gong.

Other highlights of the night saw Bobby Brazier win the Rising Star award for his portrayal of Freddie Slater in EastEnders. The actor dedicated this award to his father, presenter Jeff Brazier.

Ant and Dec, meanwhile, won the TV presenter award for the 22nd year in a row.