ITV hits back at Eamonn Holmes’ remarks about Phillip Schofield’s This Morning exit

ITV have clapped back at Eamonn Holmes’ fiery dig on Phillip Schofield’s shocking departure from This Morning.

The GB News blasted Phil’s decision to step down from the network as cover for him “being sacked.”

Over the weekend, Schofield dropped a bombshell statement, confessing that he and ITV had come to an agreement that it was time for him to step down as host of This Morning with “Immediate effect.”

READ MORE: This Morning’s Holly and Phil ‘cut’ from ITV show’s social media after sensational exit

Speculation had been rife about a supposed fallout between Phillip and his longtime on-screen partner Holly Willoughby, which he had staunchly denied in the past.

Despite Schofield’s insistence that his departure was a mutual decision made with ITV, Eamonn couldn’t resist delving into other theories during his GB News show.

Holmes suggested that Schofield was actually given the boot from This Morning.

However, ITV was swift in their response, quashing Holmes’ claims and stating firmly, “Phillip Schofield’s decision to step down from This Morning was (as his statement made clear) a decision agreed between Phillip and ITV.”

In his official statement, Schofield revealed: “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.”

As Holly Willoughby enjoys her well-deserved “early May half-term holiday,” she is set to return to the This Morning hot seat on Monday 5 June.

In the meantime, the dynamic duo of Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary has taken over the reins, delivering a brief tribute to their departing colleague as Monday’s live broadcast kicked off.

But Schofield isn’t disappearing from our screens just yet.

He’s still slated to host the prestigious British Soap Awards on ITV next month.

He is also rumoured to be joining the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk