After stepping down from his role as presenter on ITV's This Morning over the weekend, Phillip Schofield has broken his silence. The 61-year-old, who has quit the show following a rumoured feud with Holly Willoughby, has taken to social media to respond to a former co-star's tribute to him.
On Saturday, May 20, the presenter said ITV's flagship daytime programme had "become the story" and explained how the broadcaster had "decided the current situation can't go on". Revealing he was leaving with "immediate effect" Phil released a statement.
It read: "I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.
Read more: This Morning's Rochelle Humes issues statement after ITV show's Phillip Schofield tribute
"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."
ITV then confirmed to WalesOnline that Holly was taking an early half-term break until Monday, June 5 and that Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary would be standing in on Monday, May 22, and Tuesday, May 23. The pair share a tribute live on air to Phil as they opened the first show of the week, you can read more on this here.
Following the breaking news, Clodagh McKenna, who is a regular chef on the show, released a heartfelt statement on social media. Posting a snap of the pair in the This Morning kitchen, Clodagh wrote: "21 years of brightening up our mornings…. And I’ve been so lucky to be part of 3 of them."
She added: "I'll miss the morning hug, the twinkle in your eye that makes me giggle and your empathy. You will be missed @schofe." Phil was among the many who liked the post as some praised Clodagh for supporting her friend.
One wrote: "Clodagh well done. You are the only person that I have seen to come out and acknowledge Phil’s 21 years and that you will miss him." While another added: "Good to see a colleague giving him support. Feel he should have been given a proper send-off. Doesn’t seem right just to have left with no best wishes whatever has went on behind the scenes."
Rochelle Humes, who presented many times alongside Phil on the show, has also since shared an Instagram post. You can see her statement in full here. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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