This Morning presenter Rochelle Humes has broken her silence following news of Phillip Schofield's exit from the ITV show by posting a heartfelt tribute to her former co-star.
It comes after Phil, 61, confirmed his sudden departure from the series at the weekend after 20 years in the hosting seat. In a statement, 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."
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Phil continued: "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."
The news followed widespread reports of a "feud" between Phil and co-star Holly Willoughby, with sources claiming that the pair were "barely speaking" off-camera. But while news of Phil's exit has been met with mixed reaction from his former colleagues, 34-year-old Rochelle made it clear that she had nothing but love for her co-host.
Writing on her Instagram Stories, the Saturdays star-turned-presenter said: "I've proudly been part of the This Morning family for almost 10 years and over the last few, it has been an absolute pleasure learning so much from you. Thanks for all the lessons - you're a fountain of knowledge and laughter. Big love."
Rochelle joined other This Morning stars in paying tribute to Phillip following news of his departure from the show, including his presenting partner Holly Willoughby. Issuing a statement on Instagram on Saturday, Holly said: "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."
Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary, who have taken over hosting duties on This Morning in Phil's absence as Holly takes an "extended break" from the show, also opened Monday's episode with a tribute to their former co-star. "We couldn't start today's show without paying tribute to the man who spent the last two decades sitting on the This Morning sofa, Phillip Schofield," Alison said.
Dermot went on: "Everyone on and off screen at ITV and This Morning want to say a huge thank you to Phil for what he's done to make the show such a success over the last 21 years."
And Alison concluded: "Quite simply, we all know he's one of the best live television broadcasters this country has ever had and we, and all the team, wish him all the best for the future."
However, not all of Phil's former co-stars have been so positive when responding to the news of his exit. Amanda Holden, who presented This Morning alongside him back in 2018, posted a "cryptic" image of the bicep emoji shortly after the news was announced - which many fans quickly assumed was aimed at Phil, with the pair said to have fallen out after Phil allegedly tried to "block" her from hosting This Morning.
Ex-This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes has also made no secret of his dislike for both Phillip and Holly. Speaking on GB News last week, Eamonn accused the pair of being "actors" and said they had "no chemistry", adding that there would be "no difference" in This Morning's viewing figures if they were to both leave the show.
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