{"id":33023,"date":"2023-05-20T16:17:58","date_gmt":"2023-05-20T14:17:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=1832507"},"modified":"2023-05-22T00:04:43","modified_gmt":"2023-05-21T22:04:43","slug":"phillip-schofield-to-exit-this-morning-after-20-years-as-host","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/phillip-schofield-to-exit-this-morning-after-20-years-as-host\/","title":{"rendered":"Phillip Schofield to exit This Morning after 20 years as host"},"content":{"rendered":"

Schofield has presented the ITV morning show since 2002, first with Fern Britton and then with Holly Willoughby. <\/p>

By James Hibbs\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Saturday, 20 May 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

After months of speculation, ITV has confirmed that Phillip Schofield will be stepping down from his presenting role on This Morning.<\/p>\n

Schofield has presented the show since 2002, first with Fern Britton until 2009 and alongside Holly Willoughby since then. He will step down with immediate effect, with his last episode having aired on Thursday, 18th May.<\/p>\n

Willoughby will continue on the programme, co-presenting \u201cwith members of the This Morning family\u201d.<\/p>\n

Schofield said: \u201cI have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.<\/p>\n

\u201cThroughout my career in TV \u2013 including the very difficult last few days \u2013 I have always done my best to be honourable and kind. I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can\u2019t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo 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\u2019d like to thank everyone who has supported me \u2013 especially This Morning\u2019s amazing viewers \u2013 and I\u2019ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month.\u201d<\/p>

Willoughby said: \u201cIt\u2019s 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\u2019t feel the same without him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kevin Lygo, ITV\u2019s Managing Director, Media and Entertainment said: \u201cPhillip is hands down one of the best broadcasters of his generation and we thank him for his two decades worth of absolutely terrific television on the This Morning sofa.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis Morning is made by one of the best and most diligent teams in television, who produce over 12 hours of live television each week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe look forward to continuing our relationship with Phillip starting with The British Soap Awards in June and a brand new peak time series to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

\""Holly\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield on This Morning.<\/span><\/figcaption> Jon Gorrigan\/ITV<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Schofield and Willoughby were both absent from This Morning earlier this year, with Schofield taking a three week absence<\/a> after his brother Timothy Schofield stood trial at Exeter Crown Court. Timothy was found guilty of 11 sexual offences involving a child between October 2016 to October 2019.<\/p>\n

Following his brother\u2019s conviction, Schofield said: \u201cAs far as I am concerned, I no longer have a brother. My overwhelming concern is and has always been for the wellbeing of the victim and his family. These are despicable crimes, and I welcome the guilty verdicts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Willoughby was away across the Easter holidays but extended her leave due to recovering from shingles. She will return to This Morning from 5th June.<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/strong><\/p>\n