23 May 2023 , 14:58
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Following Phillip Schofield 's shock departure from This Morning, Rochelle Humes is one of the only ITV stars to have publicly paid tribute to the presenter online.
The former Saturdays' singer took to Instagram on Monday to share a heartfelt message to Phillip, 61, after he made the decision to step away from his hosting duties.
The 34-year-old said it "has been an absolute pleasure learning so much" from Phil over the years, and added: "You're a fountain of knowledge and laughter. Big love."
Phil and Rochelle became good pals while co-presenting the hit morning show in 2018 - and Phil even reportedly requested the mum-of-three when Holly Willoughby was off.
Phillip reportedly chose Rochelle to replace Holly in 2018 as she was 'easier to manage' (David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock for NTA)In 2018, Amanda Holden was set to replace Holly on This Morning when she was presenting I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! but Phil had reportedly already decided that Rochelle was the perfect fit.
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At the time, a source told The Sun on Sunday: "Phillip actively campaigned for Rochelle Humes to get the job despite Amanda being more experienced - and having been told privately she'd got the gig.
"She feels Phil unfairly used his powers of persuasion. She was told he'd chosen Rochelle because she was easier to 'manage' on air - and understandably that incensed her."
Speaking in 2019, Amanda addressed the situation, explaining to her radio co-host Jamie Theakston: "I've moved on from it, Jamie, you need to move on from it.
"I did offer to meet him for a coffee months ago, he didn't reply to my text. What can I say?"
The pair have maintained a professional and good friendship on and off camera (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)While it struck a cord with Amanda, Rochelle and Phil's temporary stint went smoothly and she took to Instagram to pay homage to her co-host in 2018.
With a selection of happy images of the pair, Rochelle wrote: "Not forgetting the legend that is @schofe God you're cool (and yes he's as nice as he is on screen)."
And it's not the only time Phil has made it to her social media page. In 2019, she posted numerous clips and photos of them together on This Morning.
Later in the year, she shared a shot of her, Phil and Holly smiling at sat around a table together with the caption: "Third wheelin'".
The pair have also attended numerous award shows and events with the ITV family out of working hours.
Rochelle stayed loyal to Phil and thanked him for his support after he quit the ITV show last week (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)In 2022, the duo's friendship was put to the test again when Rochelle was thrust into the drama between Eamonn Holmes and Phil, after Eamonn and Ruth's exit.
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An inside revealed that Rochelle has a close and trusting relationship with co-host Phil off-camera and felt awkwardly torn over the ITV feud.
The source told Closer: "Rochelle's feeling torn and caught in the middle of the war given her close friendship and loyalty to both of them.
"While she wants Eamonn to know she still supports him, she's also very focused on her presenting career which is thriving thanks to This Morning and that means ensuring she maintains a great relationship both on and off camera with her colleagues, including Phillip."
Rochelle remained professional and it's clear she kept her friendship with Phil intact, despite all the hurdles thrown at them.