Holly Willoughby has issued a response after her co-host of 13 years Phillip Schofield quit This Morning.
There have been rumours of a feud between the pair, which reached a crisis point this week and now Phillip has made the decision to leave the show.
He said: "I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.
READ MORE: Phillip Schofield quits This Morning after over 20 years
"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.”
Phil has already presented his last episode, which was on Thursday May 18.
Holly will continue to present the ITV show and will be co-hosting with "members of the This Morning family".
Following news of Phil's departure Holly issued her own statement and said: "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.”
Phil will continue to present peak time shows for ITV including next month’s The British Soap Awards and a new prime time series.
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.
“This Morning is made by one of the best and most diligent teams in television, who produce over 12 hours of live television each 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 to come.”
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