Phillip Schofield announces his departure from ITV’s This Morning after 20 years
Phillip Schofield has announced his departure from ITV’s This Morning. On 20 May, the 61-year-old presenter took to his Instagram story to reveal the sudden news. “I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning.
But recently, This Morning itself has become the story,” he wrote. “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.” Schofield went on to say that his leave would take an “immediate effect” before expressing his hopes for the show to “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,” he added.
Schofield’s shocking departure comes amid reports of on-set tension with his This Morning co-host Holly Willoughby. Back in May, a source told The Sun on 10 May that the two longtime friends were “barely speaking.” “To those around them on set, it has become clear recently that Holly and Phil are not as close as they once were,” the insider added. “Professionally, you would have no idea there was anything going on because on camera, they are acting exactly the same.” In response to the rumours, Schofield refuted claims of a feud in a statement to the aforementioned publication 11 May. “The last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us.
