Phillip Schofield‘s exit from This Morning is said to have been determined only minutes after he came off the air on Thursday during his farewell episode with Holly Willoughby.
The couple, who have been hosting the ITV daytime show together since 2009, were alleged to be ‘barely communicating’ behind the scenes and that their relationship had ‘cooled’.
As rumours circulated, Phil, 61, and Holly, 42, maintained a united face on the This Morning couch, with Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary filling in for their customary Friday stint.
On Saturday, Phil announced he was stepping back, just days after reports escalated to claims that he was ‘refusing to quit This Morning’, as one source called the situation a ‘runaway train that cannot be stopped’, despite himself insisting that he and Holly are ‘still the best of friends’.
He announced: ‘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.’
Holly will host the programme alone in the future, with other members of the This Morning crew, according to ITV, albeit she will take an early half-term break beginning Monday.
It has now been alleged that Phil’s fate was decided just minutes after he came off air on Thursday.
The Sun claims the host of 21 years was told his contract ‘was not being renewed’, though we understand Phil stepped away from co-presenting duties.
A source told the publication: ‘The tense atmosphere backstage has been completely unworkable and toxic so bosses had to step in and make a decision for the sake of the cast, crew and future of the show.
‘Phil was fully planning on seeing out his contract with a stoic, “grin-and-bear-it attitude” and thought he could navigate the rough waters.’
The insider continued: ‘But bosses were worried they might lose their golden girl Holly so decided to pull the plug on Phil. He was devastated.
‘Crew were none the wiser when they left work on Friday afternoon and were fully expecting to see Phil turn up to work on Monday.
‘It has felt like the writing was on the wall for some time, but neither he nor many show staff were expecting ITV’s knee-jerk reaction.’
After Phil announced his departure, Holly added: ‘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.’
Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Managing Director, Media and Entertainment said: ‘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.’
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1.
