THE boss of ITV has broken his silence after Phillip Schofield announced he has quit This Morning.
Tensions between Phillip, 61, and Holly, 42, have led to the star releasing a shock statement this afternoon.
Phillip announced on Saturday he would be leaving This Morning with immediate effect
Following his statement – which did not mention his former co-host Holly Willoughby – ITV’s boss has broken his silence
ITV boss Kevin Lygo paid tribute to Phillip
The presenting pair saw their once-close relationship crumble in recent weeks.
The Celeb Report revealed earlier this week that Phillip faced the axe from This Morning amid a “seismic” summer shake-up.
But now, the TV star has taken to his social media to confirm that he will be stepping down from the role after a “difficult” few days.
Following his statement – which did not mention his former co-host Holly Willoughby – ITV’s boss has broken his silence.
Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment has paid tribute to the star.
He also confirmed the broadcaster will continue to work with Phillip on new TV projects.
Lygo said: “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.”
No further details have been released yet about Phil’s brand new peak time series or when it will air.
Meanwhile, Dancing on Ice’s future remains in doubt following Phil and Holly’s apparent rift.
The pair present the show each winter and it’s become a staple of the ITV schedule since its revival in 2018.
Speculation about who will replace Phillip on This Morning has been rife, with fans convinced Alison Hammond will join Holly on the sofa.
In his statement, Phillip 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.
“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 what has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month.”
Speculation about who will replace Phillip on This Morning has been rife, with fans convinced Alison Hammond will join Holly on the sofa
