Fans of This Morning have noted that Phillip Schofield did not name his co-star in his leaving statement.
After days of reports about a ‘fallout’ with Holly Willoughby, 42, the 61-year-old revealed his departure from the ITV daytime programme on Saturday.
‘I have always been happy to cover exciting subjects on This Morning,’ Phil said in a statement.
‘However, This Morning has suddenly been the narrative.
‘Throughout my career on television, including the most difficult few days, I have always tried to be honourable and decent.
‘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.
No mention of Holly in his statement.
— Debbie O'C (@debbie_Oc) May 20, 2023
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‘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.’
ITV fans pointed out that there was no mention of Holly in his statement, with one writing: ‘What is very telling of Schofields statement is no mention of Holly !!! Supposed best friends ! Very strange !’
‘No mention of their friendship in each others statement,’ another remarked, while many others pointed out her absence from his exit announcement.
While Holly has never addressed the rumours of a rift, she paid tribute to Phil following his departure on Instagram.
‘Hi everyone…’, she began.
‘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’, she concluded.
Rumours of a rift between Phil and Holly initially surfaced last week, when a source said their bond was ‘dwindling.’
Viewers have been guessing about who would succeed Phil, with names like Rylan Clark and Dermot O’Leary in the running, while earlier rumours said Holly was also contemplating quitting.
Holly will continue to host This Morning, but she will not be on the show on Monday.
Holly will return to This Morning on Monday, June 5, according to ITV, after taking an early half-term break beginning Monday, May 22.
