Phillip Schofield has reportedly fled London to Cornwall, following his departure from ITV's This Morning.
After deciding to walk away from his 21 year presenting role on Saturday, the Mirror reports that Schofield decided to visit his 85 year-old mum who lives in the seaside town. Philips' "immediate" departure is a result of intense scrutiny from an alleged feud between he and Holly Willoughby.
ITV confirmed this yesterday, with the 61 year-old saying in a statement that things couldn't "go on". He admitted that show staff were aware of the situation between him and Holly, who paid tribute to her colleague after working together for 13 years.
Following this and prior to his public announcement, Phil travelled the 300 miles on Friday to visit his beloved mum Pat. The two were spotted on a coastal walk, as Schofield appeared to vent while she ambled alongside him with a walking frame.
Phil was reportedly axed from the show just minutes after coming off air on Thursday, with the episode being his final one, denying him the chance of a farewell to fans. After a tense showdown with ITV bosses, an agreement was reached in which he would quit This Morning immediately, in a trade-off which protects his other ITV roles.
After Phil's fate was decided, bosses reportedly then set up a call with Phil’s management company YMU in order to break the news. It is understood Head of Daytime Emma Gormley and Head of Programmes Kevin Lygo then both spoke to 61-year-old Phil.
He agreed to walk away on the basis that conversations about his roles on other shows like Dancing on Ice remain active – and he was promised a new show which he will host solo. The presenter announced yesterday that he was walking away after two decades on the programme following an alleged falling out with Holly.
ITV confirmed Phil will be leaving his position with immediate effect with a statement at 3pm on Saturday afternoon. In recent days, speculation had started to mount suggesting his future on the programme was not certain after bosses were prepared to sack Phillip.
Phillip had been putting on a brave face, despite sources claiming he was fighting to ensure viewers believed everything between him and Holly, 42, were still close friends.
ITV announced that Holly will be joined on the sofa by regular members of the "This Morning family". But it remains unclear whether someone will eventually join her full-time.
Betting experts have already named their top contenders who are likely to replace Philip alongside Holly, who is now on annual leave from the programme until June 5.
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