The departure of Phillip Schofield from This Morning did not go unnoticed on Good Morning Britain on Monday… but perhaps not in the way that fans would have imagined.
On Saturday, the TV host announced his departure from the ITV show ‘with immediate effect,’ with his former co-star Holly Willoughby poised to continue to helm the show with rest of the This Morning family.
Following repeated stories of the alleged ‘fallout’ between Phillip, 61, and Holly, 42, he penned in a statement: ‘Throughout my career in TV – even the extremely tough last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and courteous.
‘I realise that ITV has determined that the current situation cannot continue, and I want to do all in my power to defend the programme that I adore.’
On Monday, May 22, Alison Hammond, 48, and Dermot O’Leary, 49, will return to This Morning to host the programme for the half-term break, with Holly returning on June 5 following a brief absence.
While Alison and Dermot are likely to discuss Phillip’s departure, his decision to leave his post of more than 20 years was also highlighted on GMB – but not by anchors Richard Madeley, 67, and Susanna Reid, 52.
Ranvir Singh announced his resignation while a montage of clips from Phillip and Holly on This Morning played on the screen.
‘Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary will be hosting today’s This Morning following Phillip Schofield’s departure from the show,’ the 45-year-old journalist said.
‘The presenter announced he was stepping down with immediate effect on Saturday after 21 years in the role.
‘ITV has confirmed Holly Willoughby will continue to co-present with members of the This Morning family when she returns from break on June 5th.’
At the time of writing, before 7am, that was the only mention of Phillip’s exit on GMB.
‘Proper skimmed over the Schofield story then, didn’t they,’ one person remarked on Twitter, perhaps finding it bizarre that his departure was simply read out as a news story, rather than addressed in a more personal manner by Richard and Susanna.
Over the weekend, Family Fortunes watchers were left uncomfortable as an ill-timed query regarding This Morning popped up.
On Sunday night, a question on the quiz show challenged competitors to name the hosts of the ITV daytime programme… with Holly getting 31 points and Phillip getting 25.
Phillip was recently seen wandering along the coast in Cornwall with his 85-year-old mother Pat, seeking peace.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV.
