Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield appeared to keep quiet about Eamonn Holmes' exit from the show after 15 years as he finally confirmed the news today.
The 62-year-old veteran journalist's departure was announced by GB News after The Mirror exclusively revealed the star was making the move in November.
Hosting their final show before Christmas Day, Holly and Phil seemed to keep quiet about the announcement, though it is not understood whether they had been told about the announcement during the show.
However, a spokesperson for ITV said: "We would like to wish Eamonn all of the very best in his new role. As a duo, Eamonn & Ruth have been part of the This Morning presenting team for the last 15 years and we thank Eamonn for all of his hard work and contribution to the show.
"Ruth remains an important part of ITV Daytime both as a continuing member of the This Morning family and as an anchor presenter on Loose Women."
Earlier this week, Holly herself recently addressed rumours that she herself could be leaving the show herself.
Announcing his move to GB News today, Eamonn said: "I've spent my career on broadcasting firsts and start-ups, and GB News is one of the most exciting yet.
"It's just the kind of shake-up the industry needs."
He added: "I've admired GB News from the beginning for its clever mix of punchy debate but delivered with warmth and even some fun.
"To me the greatest honour in journalism is to give a voice and respect to the unheard, and that's exactly what GB News is all about."
Last month an insider dished to the Mirror: "Eamonn’s move to GB News marks the end of an era. He’ll be missed by many ITV viewers but, the truth is, this job offer probably came at just the right moment for both him and ITV. All good things come to an end."
The Belfast native has become a fan favourite over the years - especially when hosting alongside wife Ruth Langsford on This Morning.
It is understood that Ruth is unlikely to remain on the show without Eamonn by her side but is expected to continue as a regular on Loose Women.
For years there has been reports about tension on set of This Morning after it was revealed that Ruth made an official complaint against Phillip.
She is said to have issues a complaint after he 'rudely' interrupted her while she was presenting a preview of Loose Women during an episode of This Morning.
At the time, an ITV source told The Sun: “Ruth and Eamonn both appear to be treated harshly by Phillip. After Phillip literally cut her off in the middle of a sentence on air when she was hosting Loose Women she decided enough was enough."
Friction between the pair were also visible at the 2020 National Television Awards.
*This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV
