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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Mia O'Hare

Phillip Schofield tipped for 'Channel 5 move or return to West End' after This Morning exit

Phillip Schofield could be planning a move to a rival TV channel, following his exit from This Morning.

The presenter immediately quit the ITV show, which he has hosted for over two decades, amid rumours of a 'feud' with co-star Holly Willoughby.

It has now been said Phil could be involved in a "brand new peak time series to come" or return to the West End following his move.

Question marks also remain over Phil's role on Dancing on Ice, which he presents with Holly.

Experts say the presenter could be offered a multi-million pound deal from another channel such as Channel 5, that would rival the ITV programme he spent 21 years hosting.

Holly and Phil were said to be in a 'feud' (ITV/Jon Gorrigan/REX/Shutterstock)
Phil has quit his position on This Morning (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Phil could also make a return to the West End or on pantos following his success in Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

"I think that Phillip is a very popular TV presenter who has had many many successful years on screen," brand and culture expert Nick Ede told MailOnline.

"He still has a lot fans and I think that although his relationship on screen may be wavering he will have lots of other opportunities coming to him. He’s a bankable star. His popularity will see him overcome the current hurdles he’s facing."

Referencing his past as a BBC Radio 1 DJ, Nick thinks Phil could also make a return to the BBC.

Sources had claimed earlier this month that Holly and Phil were "separate entities" and their friendship outside of their presenting partnership had "cooled".

It led to Phil issuing a bombshell statement where he insisted they were still great friends but it had been a tough few weeks for them with Phil's brother's court case and Holly's battle with shingles.

The presenter, 61, admits that members of staff at ITV have been aware that the situation surrounding himself and Holly can no longer go on.

Phil's role on Dancing on Ice hasn't been discussed yet (Matt Frost/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

In a statement, the former host 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."

ITV's Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, Kevin Lygo went on to say: "Phillip is hands down one of the best broadcasters of his generation and we thank him for his two decades worth of absolutely terrific television on the This Morning sofa.

"This Morning is made by one of the best and most diligent teams in television, who produce over 12 hours of live television each week.

"We look forward to continuing our relationship with Phillip starting with The British Soap Awards in June and a brand new peak time series to come."

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