Philip Schofield has quit This Morning following feud rumours with co-host Holly Willoughby.
Speculations began earlier this month that the pair "barely speak" off camera, with sources claiming they could see that both weren't as close as before. Now, Schofield has issued a statement confirming his "immediate" departure from the ITV show, as the situation "can't go on", the Mirror reports.
The former host said on Saturday: "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."
Meanwhile, 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."
Sources had claimed earlier this month that the pair were "separate entities" and their friendship outside of their presenting partnership had "cooled". This led to Phil issuing a bombshell statement where admitted that things had become "strained" between he and Holly, but insisted they were still great friends.
Both presenters have faced their own struggles, with Phil's brother's court case and Holly's battle with shingles.
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."
Sources confirmed to The Mirror that both Holly and ITV felt that it had only made things worse by issuing such a statement.
One said: "This Morning’s relationship with its viewers is built on trust, and they have to believe that Holly and Phil’s friendship, and what they’re watching, is real. While there was a bit of noise and speculation about their relationship cooling, it could have easily been ignored.
"But by putting this statement out there, he has turned what was a manageable situation into a feeding frenzy. If viewers now no longer believe in the pair, and make their views clear next week, make no mistake, ITV will act.
Phil’s position is looking increasingly precarious. Monday is very much D-day, but the same could apply to any day next week."
Other sources told The Mirror that Holly has been considering her position on the show for months.
The insider explained: "Holly was considering her position on the show earlier this year, as she couldn’t see Phil being ousted. But that is now a real possibility and she wants to see a decision made on both of their futures quickly.
"That is what is behind Holly asking her team to reach out to ITV– she is trying to move things forward. There has been no bloodbath meeting yet, but that could well be to come. The sooner it happens, the sooner she can rebrand herself."
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