ITV This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield sensationally quit This Morning over the weekend with a lengthy statement following a rumoured feud with his friend and co-star of 14 years Holly Willoughby. In his exit statement, Phil said ITV had "decided the current situation can't go on," as he confirmed he would be stepping down from his long-standing role.
Bosses confirmed that after more than 20 years on the This Morning sofa, Phil had already presented his last episode, which aired on Thursday, May 18. Meanwhile, Holly will remain on the show and will co-present with members of the This Morning family, however, she is taking an early half-term break and won't be returning until Monday, June 5.
While Phil won't be returning to This Morning, the broadcaster has said he will continue to present peak time shows for ITV including next month’s The British Soap Awards and a new prime time series.
Read more: Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby: Where did it all go wrong?
Kevin Lygo, ITV's Managing Director, Media and Entertainment said: "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."
But in Phillip and Holly's absence who will present This Morning and what has Phil said about his exit? Here's everything you need to know.
Who is presenting ITV This Morning today?
It has been confirmed to WalesOnline that Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary will host This Morning on Monday, May 22. However, it's not yet been announced who will host for the rest of the week. You can read more on this here.
Phillip Schofield's exit statement in full
Phillip Schofield said in a statement on Saturday, May 20: "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."
Why Holly Willoughby is absent from This Morning?
While Holly is remaining on This Morning, ITV confirmed the presenter is taking a break and will return to This Morning on Monday, June 5 having taken an early half-term holiday starting Monday, May 22.
In her own statement on Saturday, May 20, 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." For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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