Was Phillip Schofield sacked from This Morning?
THIS Morning fans have been left in shock after long term host Phillip Schofield revealed he was "stepping down" from the job.
But viewers are now keen to know if the once popular presenter was actually sacked from his plum ITV role.
Was Phillip Schofield sacked from This Morning?
Phillip Schofield said he "stepping down" from his job of This Morning co-host.
The Sun exclusively revealed how he was given the chop from the show, minutes after coming off air on May 18, 2023.
The host of 21 years was with show chief Martin Frizzell and told his contract, due to end this summer, was not being renewed.
ITV's statement on Phil's departure read: "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.
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"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."
A spokeperson later added: "Phillip Schofield’s decision to step down from This Morning was (as his statement made clear) a decision agreed between Phillip and ITV."
When did Phillip Schofield leave This Morning?
Phillip officially left This Morning on May 20, 2023, when he released a statement saying that he had decided to "leave the show".
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He told fans: "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."
What did Holly Willoughby say when Phil left This Morning?
Following Phil's announcement, Holly shared an emotional statement.
She penned: "Hi everyone, 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," followed by a love heart.
The pair had reportedly been embroiled in a behind-the-scenes feud which erupted when he went over her head, and destroyed her plans for a big change on This Morning.
According to the , Holly, along with the show's editor Martin Frizell, had decided that there should be an all-female presenting line-up to mark International Women's Day back in March.
But Phillip was reportedly furious about the plans and went to ITV's big boss Emma Gormley to put a stop to them.
As a result, Holly was only allowed to host the first section of the show surrounded by the show's female production staff.
However, Phil was soon back and returned to join Holly on the sofa, meaning her plans were scrapped.
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A source told the publication: "Holly was livid about Gormley's decision and the fact Phillip had undermined her, and made that very clear to numerous people at ITV.
"It was the first real sign to This Morning staff that their relationship had fractured and Holly wanted to step out of Phillip's shadow."
