Phillip Schofield Quits ITV’s This Morning
Following some intense media coverage over recent weeks, This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield has decided it is time to call it quits on the show he has presented for over 20 years. His last show was on Thursday 18 May.
Public and Media Backlash
There was a huge public and media backlash last year over Phillip and Holly’s visit to the lying in state of Her Majesty the Queen and this was compounded recently by facts emerging about his brother and a prison sentence he has been given.
Phillip will continue to present peak time shows for ITV, such as The British Soap Awards next month and a new prime time series, after co-hosting the award-winning show for two decades.
Holly Willoughby will continue to appear on This Morning, but now she’ll be sharing hosting duties with other show regulars.
Statement from Phillip
Schofield released a statement 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 what has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month.”
Holly said of the news “It’s been a great 13 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.”
The immediate future for the show
After taking a weeklong early half term break beginning on May 22, Holly Willoughby will be back on This Morning on June 5.
This Morning, one of the longest-running daytime shows in British television history, debuted on October 3, 1988 in Liverpool Docks. More than 36,000 hours of timely news and entertainment are produced annually by the show, which has been on the air for over 34 years.
ITV have announced that a rotating series of guest co-host including the likes of Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary, will fill in until an announcement is made on who will take over permanently.
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