I’m a PR expert – here’s what Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby’s shock statements REALLY mean as he quits show
A PR expert has revealed what Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby's shock statements really mean.
Phillip, 61, and Holly, 42, took to social media today to confirm that he will be stepping down from the role after a "difficult" few days.
Phillip wrote: "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.”
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."
Now PR expert Carla Speight has revealed exactly what the two statement means.
She told The Sun Online: "Reading this it's clear they will never discuss what has happened and will make it look as mutual as possible.
"ITV have done right by Phil and Holly seems a bit more light but you can feel they've had input.
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"Phil has had a week of being battered and the fact he's still showing up and smiling is testament to how professional he is.
"Most people wouldn't get out of bed.”
In Phillip’s statement he ended by saying: “I'll see you all for the Soap Awards next month."
Clara says this is a “clear sign that he's ready to move on and move forwards”.
She explained: It's very professional and very thought out.
"It doesn't encourage anything and shuts down any speculation.”
Ahead of Phillip's statement today, he and Holly had already been granted time off from presenting This Morning together.
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.
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On who will replace Phil, Carla said: "I think Dermot would be the most obvious choice, they've done so many shows together.
"It will do This Morning a world of good, it's a national treasure and when they vamp things up it always boosts figures and ratings."