20 May 2023 , 14:21
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This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby has addressed Phillip Schofield's sudden departure from the ITV programme they have presented together for over 13 years.
Taking to Instagram, she wrote: "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.
"The sofa won't feel the same without him."
ITV confirmed Phillip's exit from This Morning on Saturday.
Phillip Schofield said: “I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.
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Holly praised her former co-host
Holly will continue to host This Morning (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)“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 Willoughby commented: “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.”
Holly and Phillip have presented together for over 13 years (ITV)Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Managing Director, Media and Entertainment added: “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.”
The exit comes after reports of a "feud" between Holly and Phillip, which appeared to escalate when Phillip released a statement on his friendship with his former co-host.
Both presenters failed to address the rumours of their fractured friendship as they put on a united front last week on This Morning.
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