Phillip Schofield feels 'hung out to dry' by Holly…

Phillip Schofield feels 'hung out to dry' by Holly Willoughby and ITV bosses

Phillip Schofield's departure from This Morning has not only impacted his professional relationship with former co-presenter Holly Willoughby but reports suggest their friendship has been left in 'tatters'.

Following weeks of rumours over what was going on behind the scenes between the popular duo amid speculation of a feud, it was confirmed on Saturday that long-term presenter Phillip Schofield was to leave the show after 20 years with immediate effect.

Now, reports suggest he feels has been left "hung out to dry" with his This Morning axe. The 61-year-old TV presenter will not be going back to the show, it was confirmed on Saturday, with his departure coming after ongoing speculation.

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A source told the Mirror: “Phil’s fate was decided on Friday. It was a unanimous decision that he had to go. He was upset, but firm that if he was going to walk away he wanted to keep his roles on The Cube, the British Soap Awards, and Dancing on Ice – crucially, with or without Holly.

“And they agreed to the terms he laid out. As far as he was concerned, if he was going to take one for the team, they would owe him. “It has all been worked out in the smoothest way possible, but behind the scenes he has told friends he has been hung out to dry.

“And his friendship with Holly is now in tatters. It is hard to see how it could recover. The fact he chose to pointedly thank people who supported him – and the viewers – without mentioning her says it all.”

Phillip Schofield's and former co-presenter Holly Willoughby on This Morning (ITV)

Schofield released a statement on Saturday, confirming his exit from the show. In it, he 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.”

Holly also issued a statement on Saturday. 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."