‘I have agreed to step down’: Phillip Schofield QUITS this morning after 21 years after ‘feud’ with co-presenter Holly Willoughby
Phillip Schofield retires from This Morning after 21 years as a presenter.
The TV presenter, 61, has pulled out of the show following reports of a feud with his co-host Holly Willoughby.
In a statement released Saturday, Phillip said: ‘I’ve always taken pride in writing fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.
“During my career in TV – including the very difficult past few days – I have always tried my best to be honorable and kind.
“I understand that ITV has decided that the current situation cannot continue and I want to do what I can to protect the show I love.
End of an era: Phillip Schofield retires after 21 years as a presenter with his role on This Morning
Phillip said: ‘I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect in the hopes that the show has a bright future ahead’
So I’ve agreed to step down from This Morning effective immediately, in hopes that the show has a bright future.
“I want to thank everyone who has supported me – especially the wonderful viewers of This Morning – and I’ll see you all next month at the Soap Awards.”
Holly Willoughby said: ‘It’s been over 13 amazing years presenting This Morning with Phil and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank him for all his knowledge, his experience and his humour. The bank won’t feel the same without him.’
Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Managing Director, Media and Entertainment said: ‘Phillip is without a doubt one of the best broadcasters of his generation and we thank him for his two decades of absolutely amazing television on the This Morning bank.
“This Morning was created by one of television’s best and most diligent teams, producing over 12 hours of live television every 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 coming up.”
Holly will return to This Morning on Monday 5th June after taking an early half break from Monday 22nd May.
Phillip’s dramatic departure from This Morning comes amid reports that he and Holly weren’t as close as they used to be and barely spoke off camera.