Phillip Schofield is said to be 'utterly heartbroken' over his This Morning exit. The presenter announced that he was stepping back' from the ITV daytime show with 'immediate effect' in a statement released over the weekend.
He said the programme had 'become the story' and that he wanted to "do what I can to protect the show that I love" after rumours were rife that he and Holly Willoughby were 'barely speaking' behind the scenes amid a 'rift' between the pair.
"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," Phillip said.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
"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, 42 also, issued a statement in response to the news, which she also shared on Instagram, saying: "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."
But following speculation over Holly's involvement in Phillip's exit, and how his exit came to play, an ITV spokesperson told the Mirror in a new statement: "Phillip Schofield’s decision to step down from This Morning was (as his statement made clear) a decision agreed between Phillip and ITV."
Piers Morgan has now said that Phillip is “utterly heartbroken” he was not afforded the opportunity to say a “proper goodbye” to the audience on This Morning after two decades on the show. Writing in his column for the Sun newspaper, the former GMB star that he "doesn't know th efull story" behind his former ITV oc-star's "downfall" but that he felt "personal empathy".
"I know he’s utterly heartbroken about it, because he told me himself," Piers said. The 58-year-old broadcaster, who had overcome a “25-year rift” with Phillip, said the TV presenter was "not the evil monster he’s being painted", nor was he "the angel his previously halo-clad reputation suggested".
READ NEXT:
- Gorka Marquez defends himself as Gemma Atkinson shares 'photo evidence' and gives update on second child
- Michelle Keegan says it 'takes a village' in honest beauty confession before being branded 'stunning'
- Holly Willoughby breaks with tradition amid This Morning absence as she takes break after 'interesting' post
- This Morning's Josie Gibson shares cryptic posts as she remains silent after Phillip Schofield's exit
- Hollyoaks' Lucy-Jo Hudson supported as she's left 'feeling sad' as Coronation Street star ex takes daughter on dream holiday
