Phillip Schofield will step down from This Morning with "immediate effect" after more than 20 years on the ITV programme.
The broadcaster confirmed the 61-year-old will not return to the morning show with Holly Willoughby, with Thursday's show being his last.
In a statement, the former host said: "I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.
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"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."
It comes amid reports of a rift with his co-host Holly, with sources claiming that the pair were "separate entities" and their friendship had "cooled". Phillip's brother, Timothy Schofield, was also sentenced to 12 years in jail on Friday after being convicted of child sex offences.
Following the news, Holly Willoughby added: "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."
ITV's Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, Kevin Lygo went on to say: "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."
In an earlier statement to The Sun, Phillip insisted the pair were still close and described her as his "rock".
In the original statement, Phil had told The Sun: "The last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us. As I have said before, Holly is my rock. We’re the best of friends - as always, she is an incredible support on screen, behind the scenes and on the phone.
"Holly has always been there for me, through thick and thin. And I’ve been there for her."
Schofield and Willoughby have presented the show together since 2009 and also co-host ITV's Dancing On Ice.
They have been open about their close friendship over the years, which has included sharing pictures on social media of them while on joint holidays with their families.
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