Phillip Schofield's statement in full as he quits This Morning after 21 years

ok.co.uk:

Phillip Schofield has sensationally stepped down from This Morning after 21 years on the ITV1 daytime programme, he has confirmed.The 61-year-old has hosted the hit show since 2002, first with Fern Britton and then with Holly Willoughby, who took over from Fern on 14 September 2009.

However, after weeks of speculation of a fallout between Phillip and Holly, 42, the presenter has announced that he hosted his last episode of the show on 18 May 2023.

He shared a statement to his 2.9million Instagram to break the news, stating that he wants to "protect the show he loves" by stepping down as host.

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." He continued: "I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month." Phillip will continue to be a member of the ITV family, hosting the Soap Awards – which he has presented since 2006 – and "a new prime time series." It is unclear if he will continue to host Dancing On Ice alongside Holly when it returns next year.