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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Mia O'Hare

ITV announce Phillip Schofield will host new prime time show despite This Morning exit

Phillip Schofield is set to host a new prime time show for ITV, despite his immediate This Morning exit.

The presenter, 61, announced he has quit the daytime programme amid a rumoured 'feud' with co-star Holly Willoughby.

It follows reports their relationship had "cooled" and that Phil's position was looking "increasingly precarious".

A source told The Mirror, Monday was "very much D-day, but the same could apply to any day next week."

On Saturday, Phil admitted that members of staff at ITV have been aware the situation surrounding himself and Holly can no longer go on.

Whilst a statement posted by This Morning shared Phil's future plans with the broadcaster.

This Morning released a statement following Phil's departure (@itv/instagram)
Phil has quit This Morning immediately (ITV)

It read: "After more than 20 years on the This Morning sofa, Phillip Schofield has stepped back from ITV’s flagship morning show having presented his last episode on Thursday 18 May.

"Having co-hosted the multi-award winning show for two decades, Phillip will continue to present peak time shows for ITV including next month’s The British Soap Awards and a new prime time series.

"Holly Willoughby will remain on This Morning and will co-present with members of the This Morning family."

In his own statement, Phil said: "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."

Meanwhile, Holly Willoughby 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."

Holly and Phil were said to be in a 'feud' (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Phillip and Holly, 42, had been at the centre of a fallout after reportedly drifting apart over a period of three years.

Last week, he issued a statement on the state of their friendship – without informing his former best friend of his decision prior to it being published.

Sources confirmed to The Mirror that both Holly and ITV felt that it had only made things worse by issuing such a statement.

One said: "This Morning’s relationship with its viewers is built on trust, and they have to believe that Holly and Phil’s friendship, and what they’re watching, is real.

"While there was a bit of noise and speculation about their relationship cooling, it could have easily been ignored. But by putting this statement out there, he has turned what was a manageable situation into a feeding frenzy.

"If viewers now no longer believe in the pair, and make their views clear next week, make no mistake, ITV will act. Phil’s position is looking increasingly precarious. Monday is very much D-day, but the same could apply to any day next week."

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