Body language expert JUDI JAMES on Phillip Schofield’s BBC interview

Phillip Schofield showed “bravado” during a BBC interview about his affair with a younger colleague, but could not hide his “disgust” at what he had done, a body language expert said today.

In conversation with Amol Rajan, Schofield categorically denied grooming his former This Morning colleague, but said their subsequent fling and his decision to lie about it was “inexcusable.”

The 61-year-old confirmed the pair met when the younger man was 15, but said their interactions until he reached adulthood were only for “career advice” and that the first time they had sexual contact was when he was in his 20s .

Judi James said that at the start of the interview, Schofield was “trying to convey quiet elegance” and “showing his hands to show off his wedding ring.” But she said his underlying body language betrayed the pressure he was feeling.

Schofield strikes a pose that seems intended to convey calm elegance, with his legs crossed and his hands clasped to the side of the camera, displaying his wedding ring, which he also holds up to congratulate at the end of the interview. show,” said Mrs. James.

Ms James said Schofield tried to demonstrate ‘bravado’ with a ‘headbutt’ at the start of the interview

This balance seems to be his go-to look throughout the interview, but that ‘balance’ is not endorsed by his underlying, conflicting body language rituals, and the emotional undercurrent and sense of pressure are revealed almost immediately when asked how he is.

Before the main interview begins, he pauses speechless, with some small nods and a smile that looks ironic. He looks away with a headbutt, in a display that suggests an attempt at false bravura. The pause continues before he speaks of “a weird numbness.”

Schofield’s use of the second person suggested an attempt to distance himself from what he was talking about, Ms James said.

“His use of ‘you’ instead of ‘I’ when he talks about ‘You get to a point where you just think how much you’re supposed to take’ suggests that he avoids personalizing his thoughts.”

“He is asked ‘Do you feel strong enough to do this'” and his response “I have to” comes with a weak vocal tone and a sad eye expression and head shake that imply a no rather than a yes.’

At times in the interview, Schofield could be seen holding a vape.

At times in the interview, Schofield could be seen using a vape, which the body language expert described as a “comfort toy”

Schofield’s language was “empathetic” when asked if he had told Holly about his affair

Ms James says: ‘When asked if it was ‘abuse of power’, he rubs his nose with his thumb in a cut off ritual’

“Schofield is holding a small vape that he seems to use as a toy to comfort himself, squeezing and massaging it to suggest he feels pressured and at other times his hands appear to be shaking,” Ms James said.

Schofield then described how his affair began when he shared a “consensual” kiss with the young man in a This Morning dressing room.

Analyzing the segment, Ms. James said, “His mood in tone and body language changes with the storyline. When he says “and then,” there’s a small sigh and a clamp of his mouth as he sucks his lips in and shakes his head in a gesture of regret.

“When he says ‘something happened'” he lets out a small but explosive sigh and shakes his head before a frozen pause.

“His eye cut and tongue sticking suggests rejection and disgust when he’s done with ‘I’ll regret it forever.'”

Schofield shakes his head in a ‘gesture of regret’

Schofield told Mr. Rajan that his daughter had done that saved his life since quitting This Morning, insisting he “wouldn’t be here” if they hadn’t stayed by his side for the past week, because he’s “lost everything.”

Discussing this moment, Mrs. James said, “Schofield closes his eyes, shakes his head and pauses as he talks about his ‘poor mental state’.”

“He seems dejected with emotion as he tilts his head and looks down with an exaggerated gag of sadness.

When asked if he told Holly about his affair, his body language is emphatic. He rises in his chair with what appears to be a jolt. “No, God, no,” and his eyebrows raise in a gesture of surprise as his eyes widen.

He then performs a series of mime and illustrative gestures to tell the story of how their makeup room was a “refuge” and says how he misses that “deeply.” He throws his head back and pauses as if trying to avoid tears. .’