Phillip Schofield stands down from This Morning.
His Post on Instagram
Statement From ITV
After more than 20 years on the This Morning sofa, Phillip Schofield has stepped back from ITV’s flagship morning show having presented his last episode on Thursday 18 May.
Having co-hosted the multi-award winning show for two decades, Phillip will continue to present peak time shows for ITV including next month’s The British Soap Awards and a new prime time series.
Holly Willoughby will remain on This Morning and will co-present with members of the This Morning family.
Phillip Schofield said:
“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. 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.”
Holly Willoughby said:
“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.”
Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Managing Director, Media and Entertainment said:
“Phillip 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.
“This Morning is made by one of the best and most diligent teams in television, who produce over 12 hours of live television each week.”
“We 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.”
[end]
Notes to Editors
Holly Willoughby will return to This Morning on Monday 5th June having taken an early half term holiday starting Monday 22nd May.
This Morning launched on 3rd October 1988 in Liverpool Docks and is one of the longest-running daytime programmes in the history of British television.
The show has been on air for over 34 years and produces over 36,000 hours of topical news and entertainment each year (approx 249 eps each year).
The show received a special recognition BAFTA in 2018 for its 30th anniversary.
This Morning is the most watched daytime show on a commercial channel.
The show’s total video views across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and the website last year (2022) was over 500 million.
12 consecutive National Television Award wins for ‘Best Daytime’ / ‘Live Magazine show’. Approximately over 2,000 guests visit the This Morning studio each year.
Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby first presented the show together on 14th September 2009.
