Phillip Schofield may have quit This Morning but his working relationship with ITV is not over.
Amid rumours of a fallout with his co-star Holly Willoughby, with reports the pair were ‘barely speaking’ behind the scenes, the 61-year-old announced he would be leaving the daytime show with ‘immediate effect’ on Saturday.
But while the 61-year-old will no longer be present on the This Morning sofa, the Loose Women broadcaster confirmed he would be presenting a raft of shows – including a prime time series.
Kevin Lygo, ITV’s managing director of 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.’
Metro.co.uk understand the prime time show in question will be broadcast in 2024.
Phil announced his departure from This Morning on social media, writing: ‘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.’
The pair had continued to put on a united front on the This Morning sofa, while Phil recently insisted they are ‘still the best of friends’.
Holly never addressed rumours of a rift, but did comment on Phil’s exit, writing on Instagram that the sofa ‘wouldn’t be the same without him.’
Hi everyone…’, she began.
‘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,’ she concluded.
Viewers have been speculating over who will take over from Phil – with names such as Rylan Clark and Dermot O’Leary in the mix – while earlier reports claimed Holly was also considering throwing in the towel.
The Dancing On Ice hosts began presenting the daytime programme together in 2009.
Holly initially took over from Fern Britton, and joined Phil, who had fronted the show from 2002.
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV.
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