According to rumours, at least four celebrities planned to ambush Phillip Schofield live on This Morning over complaints about his behaviour.
Phil, 61, said over the weekend that he is stepping down from presenting responsibilities with ‘immediate effect’ due to a reported dispute with his co-host Holly Willoughby, 42.
It also came after his brother, Timothy Schofield, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for child sex charges.
On today’s programme, 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.”
Before his last episode, however, the Mail Online claims 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’.
The publication alleges that bosses of the ITV daytime programme were not aware of the identity of those stars and regulars, making it ‘impossible to risk such a reputationally damaging moment that would have gone viral around the world’.
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.’
Phil shared news of his This Morning departure in a post shared to his Instagram story, and said in a statement: ‘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.
‘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.’
While Alison and Dermot hosted Monday’s programme, it is unknown who will host the show for the remainder of the week.
Holly will ‘co-present with members of the This Morning family’ when she returns to the studio on June 5, according to ITV.
