This Morning star Holly Willoughby took an early break mid-holiday from the popular breakfast show following the departure of co-star Phillip Schofield following the growing media attention surrounding the couple’s friendship. But will he return to the show and if so when? Here’s what we know…
It has been confirmed that Holly will be taking a two-week break to showcase the series, with Alison Hammond presenting alongside Dermot O’Leary and Craig Doyle in the meantime.
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Holly has remained tight-lipped about the situation surrounding Phillip, who left the show after 20 years on Saturday, May 20. However, she shared a brief statement after her colleague confirmed his passing, posting on Instagram: “Hi everyone… It’s been over 13 wonderful years recommending This Morning with Phil and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all his knowledge, experience, and humour. The sofa wouldn’t feel the same without it.”
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Phillip’s statement read: “I’ve always been proud to cover compelling stories on This Morning. But recently this morning itself became a story. Throughout my career in television – including these very difficult days – I have always tried my best to be respectable and kind.
© Ken McKay/ITV/ShutterstockPhillip Schofield left this morning
“I understand that ITV has decided that the current situation cannot continue and I want to do everything I can to protect the programming I love. I have agreed to withdraw from This Morning immediately, with I hope that the show can move on to a bright future. I want to thank everyone who has supported me – especially the wonderful viewers of This Morning – and see you at the Awards Ceremony! Soap next month.”
Following Phillip’s departure, Alison and Dermot issued a brief statement about his passing, saying: “We cannot begin the show without paying tribute to the man who has spent his time. For the past two decades sitting on this This Morning sofa, we simply know that he is one of the best broadcasters on television this country has ever had and we wish him the best of luck with the team. It’s the best.”
© Ken McKay/ITV/ShutterstockPhillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby have co-presented This Morning since 2009.
Dermot added: “As a show, everyone on and off screen wants to give a big thank you to Phil for what he’s done to make the show a success over the past 21 years.”
Piers Morgan, who previously worked for Good Morning England on ITVspoke about the situation in his column for The Sun, admitting that he spoke to Phillip, who was “heartbroken”.
© Ken McKay/ITV/REX/ShutterstockHolly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield on This Morning
The presenter, who has resigned herself in 2021 after refusing to apologize for her comments about Meghan Markle, wrote: “For me, the fact that ITV didn’t even give him a chance to say goodbye Separating from his loyal audience after 21 years seems unnecessarily rude, and I know he’s completely broken up because he told me himself.”
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