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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Amy Denman

ITV respond to speculation over Holly Willoughby's involvement in Phillip Schofield's exit

ITV have shared a statement where they insist Phillip Schofield's exit from This Morning was "agreed between Phillip and ITV".

The statement comes after speculation 61-year-old Phil's former co-host Holly Willoughby was involved in Phillip's exit following their feud.

It was recently revealed that 42-year-old Holly had 'cut ties' with Phil, who is said to have received a 'bumper payout from ITV', after their friendship 'cooled'.

After Phillip's departure from the show was announced, Eamonn Holmes said Holly "knows the truth".

Speaking on GB News, former This Morning host Eamonn, 63, told his co-host Isabel Webster: "Holly knows the truth, the story is with her."

Isabel confirmed Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary are set to host Monday's This Morning as she added: "All of this comes after the big announcement from Phillip Schofield that he was stepping down..."

ITV have released a statement after it was claimed Holly Willoughby 'threatened to quit' This Morning before Phillip Schofield's departure (ITV/Shutterstock)

Interrupting, Eamonn remarked: "Please, let's stop this, he was sacked."

"All this nonsense about, 'I've decided to step down' I'm sure you did," he sarcastically continued. "Now here's your P45, now step down. Why do we propagate this language? 'I've decided to step down' and [Holly] says the couch won't feel the same without him people there.

"Well she wanted him not there, so why is she moaning about the couch not feeling the same for? They deserve each other."

It was later reported Holly gave an "ultimatum" to ITV bosses following her feud with Phil.

A source told Daily Mail: "It was basically an ultimatum, Holly won the war. We say what Holly wants, Holly gets and never was a truer word spoken."

However, an ITV source has since confirmed to the Mirror that talent have no input in editorial decisions and Phil decided to leave on his own accord.

Following the speculation over Holly's involvement in Phillip's exit, an ITV spokesperson told the Mirror: "Phillip Schofield’s decision to step down from This Morning was (as his statement made clear) a decision agreed between Phillip and ITV. "

Phillip announced his decision to leave the show in a bombshell statement released over the weekend – making his final appearance on the show Thursday May 18.

Phil and Holly had hosted the show together since 2009, with Phil fronting the ITV daytime show since 2002 (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

In a statement, the former host said: "I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.

"Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind. I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love.

"So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month."

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