Stony-faced Phillip Schofield seen for first time since leaving This Morning as he goes for walk with mum in Cornwall
PHILLIP Schofield looks stony-faced as he's seen for the first time since he left his role on This Morning.
The TV presenter, 61, was pictured walking with his elderly mum Pat, 85, on a coastal path in Cornwall following his shock statement today.
Tensions between Phillip and Holly Willoughby, 42, have led to the star quitting his high-profile role on the ITV daytime show.
It comes as:
- Holly paid tribute to Phillip after he quit
- ITV reveal Phillip has landed a new primetime show despite his This Morning exit
- Amanda Holden took a cryptic swipe at Phillip
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- Dermot O'Leary tipped as favourite to replace Phillip Schofield for good
- Fans all say the same thing about Phillip after his exit
- An expert described Phillip's body language in his last ever show on Thursday as 'toe-curling'
The presenting pair saw their once-close relationship crumble in recent weeks.
The Sun revealed earlier this week that Phillip faced the axe from This Morning amid a “seismic” summer shake-up.
But now, the TV star has taken to his social media to confirm that he will be stepping down from the role after a "difficult" few days.
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Phillip wrote: "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 what has supported me - especially This Morning's amazing viewers - and I'll see you all for the Soap Awards next month."
In the wake of the news, Holly took to her social media to gush over her now former co-star, thanking him for his "knowledge and humour".
She penned: "It's been a great 13 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."
Holly added: "The sofa won't feel the same without him."
It comes after The Sun revealed that the rift forming between the pair - that has become apparent in recent weeks - began YEARS ago.
Three years ago, Holly went to war with her and Phil’s agent YMU Group when she chose to leave and start her own agency.
She ended up in a legal battle over their claim for 15 per cent of her future earnings.
Last year, Holly pocketed £1million in an out-of-court settlement with the agency — where Phil remains and is a shareholder.
The shake-up saw a power shift between the once unbreakable partnership, with Holly becoming a bigger star than Phil.
A source said: “Holly quietly started to distance herself from Phil back in 2020. She created her own female- led agency for a reason — and that was to champion women.
“The legal issues rumbled on for 18 months but Holly fought for what was right.
“Ultimately, Phil chose to stay and Holly chose to leave, it wasn’t easy at the time.”
The pair’s power struggle came to a head last year when they were vilified after being spotted skipping the queue to see the Queen lying in state.
Ahead of Phillip's statement today, he and Holly had already been granted time off from presenting This Morning together.
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The once best-pal pair had been given the school holidays to cool off from one another - as fans speculated whether Phillip would return at all.
Alison Hammond has already been suggested as the presenter who will take over from Phillip, forming a "dynamic duo" with Holly.
