Rosario Monachino
ITV has issued a new statement following the ‘sacking’ speculation surrounding Phillip Schofield.
Schofield, 61, shockingly announced that he was leaving the This Morning show ‘with immediate effect’ last week.
The Dancing On Ice presenter hosted the popular TV show for 21 years and presented alongside Holly Willoughby, 42, for 13 years.
Schofield announced his exit from the programme on his Instagram story.
Watch as Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield spark further backlash over a ‘dystopian’ game on This Morning…
His statement read: “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.”
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Shortly after Schofield shared his announcement, Willoughby posted a message on her own Instagram stories.
It read: “Hi everyone … 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 went on to add that ‘the sofa won’t feel the same without him’.
Following their statements, former This Morning host Eamonn Holmes has spoken out – alleging that Schofield was actually sacked.
While presenting his breakfast show on GB News, Holmes claimed: “Oh please just stop this. He was sacked.
“All this nonsense of ‘I’ve decided to step down’. I’m sure you did – here’s your P45 now step down.”
Holmes also blasted Willoughby, saying that he could ‘give a list’ of examples that highlights the pair’s ‘lack of kindness’.
The GB News host continued: “I could give you a list of the lack of kindness and lack of awareness from both of them
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“How they would socialise, and the people around them. You just have to look at my phone, full of people who are glad to see the back of the two of them.”
In response to the allegations, ITV has now issued a new statement regarding Schofield’s departure.
The broadcaster has said that it was the 61-year-old’s decision to leave the daytime programme.
A spokesperson told The Independent: “Phillip Schofield’s decision to step down from This Morning was (as his statement made clear) a decision agreed between Phillip and ITV.”
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