Phillip Schofield leaves This Morning after falling out with Holly Willoughby
Phillip Schofield will no longer be present This morninghas announced ITV.
Reports emerged earlier this month that Schofield and his co-host Holly Willoughby had a strained relationship behind the scenes of the ITV daytime show and “hardly talk” when the cameras aren’t rolling.
In a rare statement, Schofield admitted that “the last few weeks have not been easy,” but said that he and Willoughby are still “best friends.”
On Saturday (May 20) ITV announced that Thursday’s (May 18) show had been Schofield’s last. He first presented the show in 2002.
Holly Willoughby is sticking with it This morning and will present along with the other presenters of the show.
Of his departure, Schofield said, “I’ve always prided myself on telling fascinating stories This morning. But lately This morning itself has become history.
“Throughout my career in television – including the very difficult last 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.
“So I agreed to resign This morning effective immediately, in the hope that the show can look forward to a bright future. I would like to give a special thank you to everyone who has supported me This morning‘s amazing viewers – and see you all at the Soap Awards next month.”
Phillip and Holly during their last week together as hosts
(ITV)
While the couple continued to host This morning This week, viewers were quick to note the tension and a series of awkward moments between Schofield and Willoughby
ITV said Schofield will continue presenting prime time programs for ITV, including a new prime time series.
Willoughby said, “It’s been over 13 great years of presentation This morning with Phil and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all his knowledge, experience and humor. The sofa won’t feel the same without him.”
Reports of tension between Schofield and Willoughby surfaced after Schofield took a break from the show in April when his brother Timothy was convicted of 11 sex offenses involving a child.
In disown about his brother, Schofield said he “doesn’t have a brother anymore” and thanked viewers for their “kind messages and support” on his return. On Friday (May 19) Timothy was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his crimes.
