BBC Radio 2 host Rylan Clark announced on Saturday that he will be taking a break from his weekly show. The TV personality made the announcement just hours after Phillip Schofield quit This Morning.
The 34-year-old fronts his own show every Saturday from 3 until 6pm. However, on his most recent show, Rylan confirmed to fans he had to make an announcement regarding the future of his programme, reports the Mirror.
He confirmed today that he would be taking time away from the show. He said: "This is where I should say, ladies, I won't be catching up with you next week. Because I am off to do some other bits and bobs so I'm not going to be here for a fair few weeks."
He added: "I just want to say whoever is looking after this seat for a fair few weeks can you please make sure you look after Couch Potatoes." Rylan - who was bookies favourite to take over from either Phil or Holly - previously hosted This Morning.
He remained tight lipped on his venture, having listeners guess his next steps were. Many took to Twitter to share their suspicions as he is tipped to replace Philip.
@arsenaldowns78 said: "Rylan I hope your taking the job at this morning think you’ll be a much better fit than Phillip was" And @lyndaby wrote: "Hope they give you the gig on This Morning."
The Eurovision host's announcement came just hours after Phillip Schofield, 61, spectacularly quit This Morning amid a 'feud' with Holly Willoughby. Sources had claimed earlier this month that the pair were "separate entities" and their friendship outside of their presenting partnership had "cooled".
It led to Phil issuing a bombshell statement where he insisted they were still great friends but it had been a tough few weeks for them with Phil's brother's court case and Holly's battle with shingles. However, sources confirmed to The Mirror that both Holly and ITV felt that it had only made things worse by issuing such a statement.
On Saturday, Phil admitted that members of staff at ITV have been aware the situation surrounding himself and Holly can no longer go on. 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."
Meanwhile, Holly Willoughby added: "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."
ITV's Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, Kevin Lygo went on to say: "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."
Rylan has co-hosted This Morning alongside Holly before and became close friends with Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford, who previously hosted on Fridays. He even refers to the couple as his "TV mum and dad".
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