Rochelle Humes has shown her support to Phillip Schofield after his exit from This Morning was announced. The pair were seen hosting the show together just a few weeks ago after Rochelle stepped into Holly Willoughby's spot as she was ill.
Holly, 42, was forced to take a week off of work on the ITV daytime show last week following a two-week Easter break. Her planned return to the programme alongside Phillip, who hasn't been seen on-screen for three weeks after taking on an unexpecting extra week off during his brother's sex abuse trial, was hit by a setback. after she came down with shingles.
However, the prolonged absence is said to have contributed to a 'cooling' of the pair's friendship which later turned into rumours of a 'rift', with the duo reportedly 'barely speaking' behind the scenes.
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And after weeks of rumours, on Saturday (May 20), Phillip sensationally quit This Morning after 20 years. 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 were rife that he and Holly Willoughby were 'barely speaking' behind the scenes amid a 'rift' between the pair.
Phillip, 61, also 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."
Taking to Instagram on Monday afternoon (May 22) after This Morning went ahead without Phillip and Holly, who has taken her planned half-term break a week early and won't be back on-screen until early next month, Rochelle took to her Instagram Story with a tribute to her former co-star.
Sharing a trio of pictures of the pair in action on the popular programme, the 33-year-old 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..." She rounded off her post by writing: "Big love @schofe." It comes after Clodagh McKenna was one of the first of Phillip's former colleagues to pay a public tribute to him.
Sharing a smiling picture of the pair in the ITV studio, the chef said: "21 years of brightening up our mornings…. And I’ve been so lucky to be part of 3 of them. I’ll miss the morning hug, the twinkle in your eye that makes me giggle and your empathy." She then added: "You will be missed @schofe." And the veteran presenter was among those to 'like' the post and fans praised Cloagh for supporting her friend.
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