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Daily Record
Daily Record
Entertainment
Mia O'Hare & Eve Beattie

Body language expert says Phillip Schofield knew This Morning episode would be his last

Phillip Schofield showed various signs on Thursday's episode of This Morning that he knew it would be his last in the ITV studio.

On Saturday- the presenter stepped down with immediate effect after two decades on the show, amid a rumoured feud with co-host and long-term best mate, Holly Willoughby.

His final show was on Thursday before he dramatically announced he would be leaving on Saturday afternoon reports The Mirror.

On Monday's segment of the daytime TV show, Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary paid tribute to him as they filled in for the duo.

Now, a body language expert has suggested Phil knew what was coming, with some key tell-tale signs.

During his final episode, Phil interviewed Chris and Rosie Ramsey alongside Holly where it is said he showed "increasing signs of stress".

Body language expert Inbaal Honigman revealed: "When Holly chats to Chris and Rosie Ramsey, we can see Phil next to Holly, chewing his lips, which shows tension, and also demonstrates that he is trying not to say something, like he is keeping a secret."

"Both Phil and Holly laugh heartily at a joke, and instead of maintaining eye contact to show Chris that he appreciates his joke, Phil lowers his eyes to his notes, which tells us that he is sad, whereas Holly looks directly at Chris and maintains the conversation," Inbaal told the Daily Star.

She went on to explain how Phil was struggling with his "inner thoughts" whilst Holly was able to maintain her usual appearance.

The dad-of-two announced his departure on Saturday afternoon with a statement that read: "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."

An ITV spokesperson has since added: "Phillip Schofield’s decision to step down from This Morning was (as his statement made clear) a decision agreed between Phillip and ITV."

Meanwhile, Holly Willoughby added: "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."

Former ITV presenter Piers Morgan has slammed the way things ended for Phil, saying he was entitled to a better This Morning send-off and says he has 'sympathy' with for him.

"I think that anyone who thinks that daytime telly is full of smiley, nicey happy clappy people, I think they are beginning to realise it is infested by a pack of savages," he told co-presenters Aasmah Mir and Stig Abell on Times Radio.

Piers continued: "There is nothing more ruthless than the way that talent, as we so laughably get called in television, get treated when the plug gets pulled.

"So I have some sympathy with Phillip Schofield, who actually I do think after 20-odd years on This Morning, winning awards every year, doing great, I think whatever has gone on behind the scenes I think he was entitled to a better send-off.

"But then, I thought I was too at Good Morning Britain for breaking all the ratings records and making the show the most talked-about show in the country – but that’s showbiz."

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