Phillip Schofield thanks fans for the support
Holly Willoughby has taken to Instagram to break her silence on Phillip Schofield’s exit from This Morning, which was announced today, after rumours swirled around the presenting duo’s deteriorating friendship.
She wrote: “Hi everyone… 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,” she added, alongside a pink love heart emoji.
Holly’s post came just after Phillip took to his own Instagram stories to announce he would be “stepping down” from the ITV show.
Phillip Schofield 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.”
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.
Don’t miss…
Holly Willoughby WON’T present This Morning on Monday after Phillip quits[LATEST]
Ulrika Jonsson slams ‘narcissistic melting pot of ego’ between Holly and Phil[OPINION]
Holly ‘started to quietly distance herself’ from Phillip three years ago[INSIGHT]
“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.”
ITV have confirmed Holly will remain on the show and will co-present with members of the This Morning family.
The announcement of Phillip’s departure comes just days after the presenter made a statement addressing the rumours of trouble in his friendship with Holly.
In his statement to The Sun, Phil referred to Holly as his “rock”, while saying that both of them had been going through a “tough” time.
However, sources claimed to The Mirror that both Holly and ITV felt that Phillip’s statement had only made tensions behind-the-scenes worse.
One source told the publication: “This Morning’s relationship with its viewers is built on trust, and they have to believe that Holly and Phil’s friendship, and what they’re watching, is real.
“While there was a bit of noise and speculation about their relationship cooling, it could have easily been ignored.
“But by putting this statement out there, he has turned what was a manageable situation into a feeding frenzy. If viewers now no longer believe in the pair, and make their views clear next week, make no mistake, ITV will act.”
Reports of a fallout came after a source alleged to MailOnline that Holly was upset Phillip hadn’t told her about his brother Timothy’s recent court case.
Although she will be remaining on This Morning, Holly will be taking an early half-term break from the show and will not return to present until June 5.
Alison Hammond is now the favourite to replace Phillip on the This Morning sofa, according to the latest odds from Ladbrokes.
The former Big Brother star leads the betting at 2/1 to become Holly’s new co-host.
Source: Read Full Article
