This Morning viewers can expect to see a number of changes on the ITV show following news of the departure of one of its presenters after 20 years on Saturday. Phillip Schofield confirmed he would be stepping down from This Morning with “immediate effect”.
The 61-year-old TV presenter will not return to co-host the morning talk show with Holly Willoughby, with Thursday’s show being his last. But now it has been revealed that Holly Willoughby is also expected to be absent from Monday's show as she has decided to take her half-term break early. She is next expected to front the programme on Monday, June 5, after Phillip Schofield issued a statement saying he was quitting after weeks of speculation about a feud between the pair, Birmingham Live reports.
His departure comes amid reports of a rift between Schofield and Willoughby and after his brother, Timothy Schofield, was sentenced to 12 years in jail on Friday after being convicted of child sex offences.
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Schofield, who also shared the news in a post to his Instagram story, said: “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.”
In a statement, ITV bosses said: " Holly Willoughby will remain on This Morning and will co-present with members of the This Morning family." The 42-year-old issued a statement on Schofe's exit. Taking to Instagram after the news broke, Willoughby said the sofa "wouldn't be the same" without Schofield. "Hi everyone … 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," she wrote. "The sofa won't feel the same without him."
From 2002, Schofe shared the sofa with Fern Britton, who later quit, and Willoughby - became Schofield's "on-screen wife".
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