Phillip Schofield has quit This Morning after more than 20 years on the sofa. The 61-year-old has stepped back from ITV’s flagship morning show having presented his last episode on Thursday, May 18, the broadcaster has said.
ITV has confirmed Holly Willoughby will remain on This Morning and will co-present with members of the This Morning family. The breaking news comes following rumours of a feud between Phil and Holly and reports they were "barely speaking" off camera.
Phillip Schofield said: "I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.
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"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."
Holly Willoughby said: "It’s been over 13 great years presenting This Morning with Phil and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all of his knowledge, his experience and his humour. The sofa won’t feel the same without him."
Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Managing Director, Media and Entertainment said: “Phillip is hands down one of the best broadcasters of his generation and we thank him for his two decades worth of absolutely terrific television on the This Morning sofa.
“This Morning is made by one of the best and most diligent teams in television, who produce over 12 hours of live television each week.”
“We look forward to continuing our relationship with Phillip starting with The British Soap Awards in June and a brand new peak time series to come.” For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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