Amanda Holden has cryptically shared a post to social media minutes after it was revealed that Phillip Schofield has quit This Morning. ITV announced on Saturday (May 20) that after 20 years fronting the daytime show, the veteran presenter had made the decision to 'step back'.
The shock news came after a reported 'rift' behind the scenes between Phillip and his co-host Holly Willoughby. The duo, who have hosted the ITV daytime show together for 14 years, are reported to be 'barely speaking' behind the scenes. Claims of issues between the duo have been brewing in recent weeks after the presenters failed to host the programme together for a number of weeks.
However, attempting to defuse the rumours, Phillip issued a sensational statement in which he hailed pal Holly as his "rock". He added to The Sun: "We’re the best of friends – as always, she is an incredible support on screen, behind the scenes and on the phone. Holly has always been there for me, through thick and thin. And I’ve been there for her. The last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us."
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But it has now been confirmed that Phillip has hosted his last show on the programme on Thursday, May 18. "I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story," he shared in a statement.
"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."
After news broke, Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda took to Instagram, simply posting the flexed bicep emoji against a black backdrop to her main grid. The comments quickly flooded with messages as she left the post with no caption.
@lynda.h.vincent said: "This response breaks the internet." @megirvine31 said: "AMANDA THE SHADE THE SHADE." @mcraig1982 quipped: "No Holden back."
It comes years after Amanda, 52, was very vocal about their clash. She is said to have fallen out with Schofe after he allegedly blocked her from being Holly’s replacement on the sofa while she took on I’m A Celebrity hosting duties with Declan Donnelly back in 2018.
Speaking on her Heart FM breakfast show back in 2019, Amanda confessed it "wasn't nice to wake up to those headlines this weekend," about her apparent 'feud'. Asked by radio co-host Jamie Theakston if she had offered an olive branch she said: "Yes, I text him recently but didn't get a text back."
Jamie asked if the two could make it up over a burger, like pop stars Katy Perry and Taylor Swift did, but Amanda said there wasn't a chance. "I don't think so, I'm a vegetarian anyway," she laughed.
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