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Daily Record
Daily Record
Entertainment
Kirsten McStay

Holly Willoughby's 'final ultimatum' to ITV bosses just days before Phil Schofield axe

This Morning will certainly look a little different in the coming weeks as Phillip Schofield has left the show after co-hosting for more than 20 years but fans are saying that co-host Holly Willoughby has "won the war " with the star.

The duo presented together for over 13 years, but their relationship was said to be strained off camera in recent months after a series of issues.

The pair were viciously trolled online over 'queuegate' and it appears their relationship never recovered, writes The Mirror.

Phil was then absent from This Morning while his brother was on trial for sex crimes, and rumours began to swirl when Holly was absent as Phil finally returned to screens.

And in recent weeks, it was reported that Holly cut ties with Phil.

Holly and Phil have been close pals for over a decade but recently it was reported that the pair were " barely" speaking away from their roles on the programme.

Holly and Phil presented the show together for 13 years (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

And according to reports, Holly finally gave an 'ultimatum' to ITV bosses, who chose to support the 42-year-old.

A source told Daily Mail: "It was basically an ultimatum, Holly won the war. We say what Holly wants, Holly gets, and never was a truer word spoken."

But later, an ITV source confirmed to the Mirror that it was Phil's own decision to leave and that talent have no input in editorial decisions.

Announcing his departure on Instagram, Phil wrote: "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.

Phil has appeared on the ITV show for over 20 years (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

"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."

Holly also took to her Instagram Stories to bid him a farewell.

She wrote: "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."

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