ITV has addressed the future of Phillip Schofield on Dancing on Ice after his abrupt exit from This Morning. It comes after the TV presenter left the show following 20 years at This Morning.
The news emerged on Saturday, May 20. The presenter said in a statement that the programme had 'become the story' and that he wanted to "do what I can to protect the show that I love" after rumours that he and Holly Willoughby were 'barely speaking' behind the scenes amid a 'rift' between the pair, according to Manchester Evening News.
He 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."
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Holly, 42, issued a statement in response to the news, which she also shared on Instagram, saying: "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."
The mum-of-three also didn't appear back on the programme after the weekend's news following her decision to take an extra week off work ahead of her pre-planned half-term break next week. The 42-year-old will therefore return to the helm of the show on June 5.
Alison and Dermot have since been hosting the show and even opened Monday's programme with a tribute to their former colleague. They were then swift to move on as normal.
While the focus has been on This Morning, it has not been confirmed if Phillip will continue presenting Dancing On Ice with Holly. An ITV spokesperson has now told the Metro : "Dancing On Ice isn’t due on ITV until January 2024 and the series is not currently in production."
They added they will make 'further announcements' about the show, including the presenting line-up, in 'due course,' according to the publication.
Meanwhile, there is set to be another change on This Morning. Friday regulars Alison and Dermot were drafted in to take over this week but as Tuesday's show (May 23) ended, Alison revealed it's Dermot's 50th birthday tomorrow (Wednesday) with The Sun reporting the birthday boy will be replaced by Craig Doyle so he can celebrate.
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