Josie Gibson has been left heartbroken over the exit of another This Morning colleague, just as Phillip Schofield confirmed his departure from the show after more than 20 years at the helm.
After being the subject of much speculation over the last week, due to his apparent 'feud' with co-host Holly Willoughby and bookies tipping him to leave This Morning by the end of the week, Phillip took to Instagram on Saturday afternoon to reveal he had quit, writing: "“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."
He added: "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."
READ MORE: Phillip Schofield quits This Morning with immediate effect
Just a day before Phillip's announcement, several This Morning stars expressed their sadness about colleague Ella Bates leaving.
Ella has worked as a digital producer on the morning programme for several years and, addressing ner exit, Josie Gibson shared a photo of herself and Ella and wrote: "The day we all got caught in the rain at @coronationstreet while filming @thismorning and then the sunshine came out. When I say sunshine I mean @ella.bates beautiful face.
"Ella I am so so sad to see you leave us. You lighten up any room with your magical energy.
"You are Golden my friend and your going places with that special energy of yours.
Alison Hammond also shared her upset over Ella's exit, saying: "I am absolutely devastated that Ella Bates is leaving. She has been a breath of fresh air every single day."
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