final farewell
Phil’s statement in full as he QUITS This Morning
PHILLIP Schofield has quit This Morning, releasing an emotional statement after an ongoing feud with his co-star Holly Willoughby.
The ITV star, 61, said the last few days have been "very difficult" in the shocking announcement.
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Phil had reportedly become embroiled in a feud with co-star Holly Willoughby for weeks.
Today his shock This Morning exit was revealed in full on Instagram.
It came after he spent 21 years in the presenting hot seat.
Phil wrote in a message on Instagram Stories: "I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning, but recently, This Morning itself has become the story.
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"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."
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Phil did not make reference to co-presenter Holly in his parting message.
She released her own statement on Instagram, stating the sofa "won't feel the same without him."
Tensions had been rising between Phillip and Holly forcing the star to resign.
The presenting pair saw their once-close relationship crumble in recent weeks.
The Sun revealed earlier this week that Phillip faced the axe from This Morning amid a “seismic” summer shake-up.
He previously caught Holly off-guard when he released a statement about their worsening relationship.
Just last week he told The Sun: “The last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us.”
Pouring out his heart, Phil said: “As I have said before, Holly is my rock.
“We’re the best of friends — as always, she is an incredible support on screen, behind the scenes and on the phone.
"Holly has always been there for me, through thick and thin. And I’ve been there for her.
“The last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us.”
Phil took three weeks off the show in March as his brother Timothy Schofield, 54, was convicted of child sex offences.
He has now been sentenced to 12 years in jail.
Phil’s previous statement added: “My family went through a real ordeal.
“And Holly’s support throughout meant the world to me, as did the support of my bosses at ITV, my editor Martin Frizell and the whole This Morning family, including our amazing viewers.
"And of course Holly has herself been ill with shingles.
"Whatever happens, we still have each other to count on."
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Following the statement, a show source said: “This is desperate stuff from Phil.
"He knows the relationship has been strained.”
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