While it has yet to be announced who could be replacing the 61-year-old host, ITV have confirmed Holly Willoughby, 41, will continue presenting the daytime programme, alongside members of the This Morning team.
Predictions have speculated Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary, who currently present Friday’s edition, could replace Phil, while Rylan’s name has also been thrown into the mix.
And he’s now admitted he’s off to do ‘other bits and bobs’, taking time away from his Saturday radio programme.
He said on today’s show: ‘Now this is where I should say ladies, I won’t be catching up with you next week, because I am off to do some other bits and bobs.
‘So I’m not going to be here for a fair few weeks.’
Rylan, 34, jokingly insisted that he ‘definitely’ won’t be having ‘more fun’ than he would on BBC Radio 2, but remained coy about where he would be.
‘No not a couple of months, I’ll be back not long,’ he added, confirming it would just be ‘a fair few weeks.’
Phil announced he was stepping back from This Morning after more than 20 years on the programme, saying: ‘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.’
Holly 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.’
His departure comes after it was reported they were ‘barely speaking’ behind-the-scenes and that their relationship had ‘cooled’.
While they have continued putting on a united front on the This Morning sofa, and Phil recently insisted they are ‘still the best of friends’, rumours have continued swirling, with reports escalating to claims that Phil is ‘refusing to quit This Morning’, as one source called the situation a ‘runaway train that cannot be stopped’.
As the speculation continued, Rylan previously addressed the rumour he could become a permanent fixture and replace Phil.
One viewer shared on Twitter: ‘Please God not Rylan to replace @Schofe . He’s on everything and is even more fake than Phil.’
The Eurovision presenter clearly wasn’t here for the shade and simply replied: ‘Morning,’ alongside a thumbs-up emoji.
He continued to Waitrose & Partners’ Weekend: ‘I’ve been in this industry for nearly 11 years, and all I’ve ever been is nice and polite to people.’
He added: ‘And that’s starting to pay off for me now, because there are people in this industry who aren’t like that. They think they’re something special. And the walls are starting to fall.’
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.’
Metro.co.uk has approached Rylan’s reps for comment.
This Morning airs weekdays on ITV1 from 10am.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Phillip Schofield’s future on Dancing On Ice unclear after This Morning exit
MORE : This Morning regular ‘gutted’ for Phillip Schofield as he steps down from presenting alongside Holly Willoughby
For all the latest Entertainment News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
