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Philip Scofield is leaving the ITV show This Morning “immediately” after more than 20 years, the station said.
The 61-year-old TV host will not return as co-host of the morning talk show with Holly Willoughby after Thursday’s show.
ITV said Willoughby will remain on the show and will “co-star with members of the This Morning Family.”
His resignation follows reports of a falling out between Schofield and Willoughby and the 12-year sentence for his brother Timothy Schofield, who was convicted of child sex crimes on Friday. was done.
Schofield also shared the news in a post on Instagram Stories, stating: But these days, This Morning is a story in itself.
“Throughout my career in television, including those last few days that were very difficult, I have always done my best to maintain honor and kindness.
“I understand that ITV has decided that the current situation cannot continue. I want to do everything I can to protect the shows I love.
“Therefore, I have agreed to leave ‘This Morning’ with immediate effect, wishing the show a brighter future.
“I want to thank everyone who has supported me, especially the amazing viewers of ‘This Morning’. See you next month at the Soap Awards.”
Scofield will continue to offer “peak-time programming” on ITV, including next month’s British Soap Awards and a new primetime series, the station said.
He has been on ‘This Morning’ with Willoughby since 2009 and co-hosts ITV’s ‘Dancing On Ice’.
Commenting on Scofield’s departure, Willoughby said: “After over 13 years of hosting ‘This Morning’ with Phil, I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all of his knowledge, experience and humor. You won’t feel the same way.”
The two have been open about their close friendship over the years, even sharing photos on social media while vacationing with their families.
Schofield said in a statement to The Sun last week that Willoughby was his “rock” following reports of strained relations between the two.
Scofield took a pre-planned break from the show last month following his brother’s sexual abuse trial at Exeter Crown Court.
Former civilian police officer Timothy Scofield, 54, was convicted of 11 sex crimes against children between October 2016 and October 2019, two of which were with children after trial. was a sexual act.
Willoughby also missed ITV morning shows in April after suffering from a painful shingles rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.
Last year, the pair faced backlash after claiming they didn’t stand in line for the Queen’s morgue in September.
Kevin Lygo, ITV’s managing director of media and entertainment, said, “Phillip is undeniably one of the best broadcasters of his generation and we know he’s been on the couch for 20 years on ‘This Morning’. Thank you for providing us with great television.”
“This Morning is produced by one of the most talented and hardworking teams in the television industry, producing over 12 hours of live programming each week.
“We look forward to continuing our relationship with Philippe, starting with the British Soap Awards in June, and launching another Peak Time series in the future.”
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