Holly Willoughby has confirmed she is staying on ITV’s This Morning after it was announced that her co-star Phillip Schofield was leaving the show.
Phillip announced on Saturday (May 20) that he was walking away from This Morning with “immediate effect” after more than 20 years on the sofa.
It comes following reports of a growing rift between Phillip and his friend Holly, with Phil himself admitting the last few weeks hadn’t been easy for either of them.
READ MORE: Phillip Schofield quits ITV’s This Morning following Holly Willoughby ‘feud’
Breaking her silence on his departure, Holly took to Instagram on Saturday with a heartfelt statement about her pal, where she thanked him for “over 13 great years” hosting the show.
(Image: ITV)
She also confirmed that she was planning to stay on the daytime show as she admitted that the sofa “won’t feel the same” without him.
Holly wrote: “Hi everyone…
“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”, she concluded, suggesting she plans to stay on as host for the forseeable future.
(Image: Instagram)
It comes after Phil announced that he was exiting the show after 21 years and was stepping down immediately.
Taking to Instagram with his own statement, he wrote: “I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning.
“But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.
(Image: ITV)
“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.
(Image: ITV)
Thanking his supporters, he concluded: “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.”
Phil’s last time hosting This Morning was on Thursday last week.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
