PHILLIP Schofield dramatically quit ITV's flagship show This Morning amid reports of a feud with co-host Holly Willoughby.
The 61-year-old star, who has presented the show since 2002, stepped back with immediate effect and will not return to the famous sofa which he has shared with Willoughby for 14 years.
He issued a statement yesterday announcing the shock decision, saying he had throughout his TV career, "including the very difficult last few days", tried his best to be "kind and honourable". But he said the show had become the story, and understood ITV bosses had decided "the current situation can't go on" and he had acted "to protect the show that I love".
Willoughby, 42, who has presented with him since September 2009, later released a statement on her social media saying: "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." ITV bosses are standing by the star and in a statement said he will continue to present peak-time shows for the channel, including next month's British Soap Awards and a new prime-time series.
Esta historia es de la edición May 21, 2023 de Sunday Express.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición May 21, 2023 de Sunday Express.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Birthday boy Jesurun gift-wraps points for the unbeaten Blades
JESURUN RAK-SAKYI struck twice on his 22nd birthday as unbeaten SHEFFIELD UNITED defeated LUTON 2-0 at home to move level on points with Championship leaders SUNDERLAND.
PALACE REIGN FOR KINGS OF THE ROAD
THE Slot machine paid out yet another jackpot as Liverpool dug deep for a priceless and gritty victory.
Punch & Judy next in line to be 'cancelled' fears veteran
HE'S been entertaining children and adults alike for six decades with his traditional Punch and Judy shows.
How Rick's traumatic childhood drove him to succeed
\"IT'S A desperately poignant way to sum up one's childhood. \"I remember being frightened all the time as a kid,\" recalls Rick. He traces the trauma to a grave tragedy in the family before he was even born.
Harry extends 'solo' trip without Meghan
PRINCE Harry has extended his solo trip abroad without wife Meghan, the Sunday Express has learned.
How Queen bagged her cheeky escapes
IN a lifetime of meeting the public, the late Queen famously used her handbag to secretly signal to her courtiers when she was ready to leave an event.
Trump's return to brush with death spot
A SECRET Service ring of steel surrounded Donald Trump last night as he prepared to hold a rally in the same spot where he was almost killed by an assassin three months ago.
Migrants perish as Cooper slams gangs
A TODDLER trampled to death in a small boat was among four migrants who died off the French coast yesterday.
‘Inspirational’ Kemi wins backing of US governor DeSantis
KEMI Badenoch's leadership bid has been endorsed by one of the US Republicans' most influential figures.
Leadership hopeful fired up by Reagan
JAMES Cleverly wants to bring the spirit of Ronald Reagan to the Tory Party as he enters a critical week in his bid to become leader, he tells the Sunday Express today.