Phillip Schofield has sensationally quit This Morning after 21 years of fronting the show, amidst reports of a "feud" with his co-host Holly Willoughby.

In a statement released on Saturday, Phillip 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.”

Phillip Schofield could be replaced in This Morning as the show is set to undergo a "seismic" shake-up
Phillip Schofield has sensationally quit This Morning after 21 years of fronting the show

In light of the news, co-host Holly Willoughby also released a statement as she explained the "sofa won't feel the same" without him.

Holly said: “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.”

Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Managing Director, Media and Entertainment also weighed in on Phil's departure, as he added: “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.

Holly commented on Phil's departure as she said the "sofa won't feel the same" without him
Holly commented on Phil's departure as she said the "sofa won't feel the same" without him

“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.”

Rumours of a "fall-out" between Phil, 62, and Holly, 41, have been swirling for the last week, with talk of tension on-set as the once-close pals are said to have been "barely speaking" once the cameras stop rolling.

They put on a united front this week as they returned to presenting duties as normal, despite Phillip's bombshell statement earlier this month, as he admitted things "haven't been easy" between the pair.

Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby are said to have had a falling out in recent weeks
Phillip and Holly are said to have had a "falling out" in recent weeks, according to reports

Speaking to The Sun prior to his exit, Phillip said: "The last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us.

"As I have said before, Holly is my rock."

He continued: "We’re the best of friends – as always, she is an incredible support on screen, behind the scenes and on the phone."

However, Holly made no public statement about the state of their relationship, and has instead carried on with business as usual.

According to reports, Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby are "barely speaking"
Holly and Phil have presented This Morning together for fourteen years

ITV bosses reportedly had so-called “crisis talks” about the future of the show this week, after viewers of the show branded Holly and Phil's performance as "fake" and "uncomfortable" on Monday's show.

Holly and Phil have presented This Morning together for fourteen years - after Holly joined in 2009, following the departure of Phil's former co-host, Fern Britton.

They were so close that they even holidayed together each year, along with the rest of their families, and Holly was a shoulder for Phillip to lean on when he came out as gay in 2020 - even doing an interview with her live on This Morning, as he sat on the other side of the show sofa.

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