Piers Morgan joked about the new This Morning lineup following Phillip Schofield‘s departure.
Phillip, 61, announced his retirement from the ITV mid-morning programme on Saturday, after claims of an irreparable ‘rift’ with Holly Willoughby, 42.
ITV has stated that the Wylde Moon founder would ‘co-present with members of the This Morning family’ when she returns from her leave, but no replacement has been revealed.
Meanwhile, Piers, 58, who earlier praised Phil and stated that he “deserved a better send-off,” has proposed his own idea for the long-running show.
On Twitter, the former GMB News anchor posted a photo of himself at the Chelsea Flower Show with Gemma Collins, who was holding a glass of champers, and Charlotte Hawkins.
He jokingly captioned the picture: ‘The new This Morning presenting team!’
The new This Morning presenting team! @CharlotteHawkns @missgemcollins @The_RHS #ChelseaFlowerShow pic.twitter.com/Ki4fIGnadl
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 22, 2023
Piers has previously backed Phillip and expressed’some compassion’ for the veteran broadcaster.
He explained: ‘I have some sympathy with Phillip Schofield – whatever has gone on behind the scenes, I think he was entitled to a better send-off.’
Speaking to Times Radio, he added: ‘Showbiz is a shallow pool of shark-infested waters – one day you’re cock of the walk and the next you’re a feather duster.’
Despite supporting Phillip, the former Britain’s Got Talent judge expressed the contentious opinion that daytime television is managed by a “pack of savages.”
According to reports, This Morning executives “feared on-air sabotage by guests” if Phillip continued on the sofa.
The Mail Online claimed at least four household name stars had ‘plotted to ambush the scandal-plagued presenter live on air about a series of allegations about his behaviour, without the knowledge of show producers’.
An ITV source told the outlet: ‘The growing paranoia about what could go wrong was engulfing the management. They got through four days without any major disasters, even though it was obvious Holly and Phil’s friendship was over.
‘But if Holly had been put in the position of having to try and defend him from an attack on his reputation during the show by a regular or celebrity guest, it would have been an impossible position for her.
‘Everyone decided it would be irresponsible to put Phillip back on air, even for him to wish a final farewell to viewers. But that’s an extraordinary thing to do to a host after 20 years on air.’
On Monday’s This Morning, Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary discussed Phil’s departure briefly, remarking that he was “one of the best live television broadcasters this country has ever had.”
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV.
