Holly Willoughby will be missing in action from This Morning until next month, after Phillip Schofield quit the show on Saturday.
Over the last few weeks, Phillip and Holly have made headlines, thanks to a 'rumoured' feud between the two hosts behind the scenes. And, while they did host the ITV daytime programme for four days in a row this week and appeared to put on a very much 'united' front on screen, just before 3pm on Saturday, Phillip took to Instagram to announce his departure from This Morning, having hosted the show for over 20 years.
In his statement he wrote: "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."
READ MORE: Phillip Schofield quits This Morning with immediate effect
Confirming he'd left the show, Phillip added: "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."
Holly has hosted alongside Phillip for the last 13 years and, giving an immediate reaction to his departure, thanked him for his 'knowledge and humour,' adding that the sofa wouldn't be the same without him.
Prior to Phillip's announcement, he and Holly were fully expected to take a break for half term from May 29, but it has been confirmed that Holly's break from the show has started from now and she therefore won't be back on screen until Monday, June 5.
Reacting to Phillip leaving This Morning, 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."
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