In a heartfelt announcement on Saturday (20 May), Phillip Schofield, the beloved TV host known for his long-standing presence on ITV’s This Morning, revealed his decision to part ways with the iconic breakfast show. Citing the show’s increasing prominence as the focal point, Schofield, who came out as gay in 2020 after 27 years of marriage, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to cover captivating stories throughout his career. In a statement provided to PinkNews, he acknowledged the need to safeguard the show he cherishes, prompting his immediate resignation.
Acknowledging the support he has received, particularly from This Morning’s dedicated viewers, Schofield expressed his deep appreciation while assuring them of his presence at the upcoming Soap Awards. Meanwhile, ITV confirmed that Holly Willoughby, Schofield’s long-time co-presenter, would continue her role, joined by other members of the This Morning family.
Rumors surrounding backstage disputes and strained relations between Schofield and Willoughby have also surfaced, with reports suggesting tensions arose in 2019 when Schofield allegedly became envious after Willoughby won a BAFTA for her remarkable stint on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, where she temporarily replaced Ant McPartlin.
Schofield’s decision to step down from This Morning also follows the distressing news of his brother, Timothy Schofield, being convicted of sexually abusing a child. Timothy Schofield received a 12-year sentence for 11 counts of sexual offenses against the boy between 2016 and 2019. In an earlier statement disowning his brother, Phillip Schofield described the relief he felt after Timothy’s arrest, expressing a newfound sense of freedom and the ability to embrace his true self.
Acknowledging Schofield’s departure, Holly Willoughby shared her gratitude for their 13 years together on This Morning, highlighting his knowledge, experience, and humor that contributed to the show’s success. Kevin Lygo, ITV’s managing director of media and entertainment, praised Schofield as one of the finest broadcasters of his generation and hinted at a forthcoming series featuring the esteemed presenter. As This Morning continues to thrive with its dedicated and diligent team producing over 12 hours of live television each week, viewers can anticipate further collaborations with Phillip Schofield, beginning with The British Soap Awards in June and a future peak-time series.