This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield will step down from the show with “immediate effect,” ITV has announced.
The 61-year-old will not return to co-host the morning talk show with Holly Willoughby, with Thursday’s show being his last.
Schofield said: “I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.
READ MORE: Join ChronicleLive's Whatsapp community for breaking news and top stories
“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.”
Meanwhile, co-star Holly Willoughby said she has loved presenting alongside him for the last 13 years, and said it "won't feel the same without him."
In a statement reported by The Mirror, 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."
Bosses at ITV have thanked Schofield for his two decades of "terrific television" on This Morning and hinted at a new series starring the presenter.
ITV's Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, Kevin Lygo 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."
READ NEXT:
New nightclub to open in South Shields town centre in time for Bank Holiday weekend
Newcastle cocktail bar named the best in the north for its 'theatrical' drinks
Police apologise to innocent man wrongly accused of Nikki Allan's murder
- Nikki Allan police satisfied no one else involved in killing of seven-year-old after David Boyd conviction
