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ITV have released a new statement about Phillip Schofield's exit from This Morning, after a former colleague had an epic rant about his departure.
Earlier this week, former This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes angrily spoke about Schofield’s departure and even claimed that the TV personality had been ‘sacked’.
Schofield made the announcement over the weekend on May 20, after rumours of an alleged feud between him and co-host Holly Willoughby emerged in the wake of his brother, Timothy Schofield, being sentenced to prison after being convicted of sexual offences against a child.
Though he remains the host of The British Soap Awards and other primetime shows, he revealed that he would be ‘stepping down’ with immediate effect.
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In a statement on Instagram, he told fans: “I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.”
Continuing, he added: “…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.”
Speaking on GB News earlier this week, Holmes - who use to work alongside Schofield - pointedly mocked the TV personality and former co-host Willoughby.
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"Please, let's stop this, he was sacked," Holmes remarked, "All this nonsense about, 'I've decided to step down' I'm sure you did. Now here's your P45, now step down. Why do we propagate this language?”
The 63-year-old then referred to Willoughby’s statement saying: " ‘I've decided to step down' and [Holly] says the couch won't feel the same without him people there. Well she wanted him not there, so why is she moaning about the couch not feeling the same for? They deserve each other."
Holmes' comments, of course, fuelled the rumours online that Schofield was, in fact, sacked rather than choosing to step down himself from the show.
And while ITV has strongly denied this, the allegations had caused the channel to issue a fresh statement about Schofield's sudden exit.
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An ITV spokesperson told The Mirror today: "Phillip Schofield’s decision to step down from This Morning was (as his statement made clear) a decision agreed between Phillip and ITV. "
Though it’s unlikely this will stop viewers’ speculation, the channel also made a similar comment to LADBible, saying that the sacking claims were untrue.
Featured Image Credit: ITVTopics: This Morning, Phillip Schofield, Holly Willoughby, Celebrity, TV And Film