In a statement shared on social media, he wrote: “I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u201cThroughout my career in TV \u2013 including the very difficult last few days \u2013 I have always done my best to be honourable and kind.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI understand that ITV has decided the current situation can\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d like to thank everyone who has supported me \u2013 especially This Morning\u2019s amazing viewers \u2013 and I\u2019ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month,\u201d Phillip added.<\/p>\n
According to The UK Sun, the real reason Phillip left the show was because the show’s bosses chose to “pull the plug” on him following recent tension between him and Holly.<\/p>\n
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A source told the publication: \u201cHolly is the real winner in all of this as she has emerged victorious and classy. She has played a masterstroke.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe situation between the crumbling partnership became so serious that ITV bosses had to choose which horse to back \u2014 Phil or Holly. And it was clear where their loyalties lay.”<\/p>\n
\u201cGetting rid of Phil was never going to be easy. But producers had to think about the longevity of the show. Holly was its future and they want to keep her happy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe tense atmosphere backstage has been completely unworkable and toxic so bosses had to step in and make a decision for the sake of the cast, crew and future of the show.”<\/p>\n
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The insider continued: “Phil was fully planning on seeing out his contract with a stoic, ‘grin-and-bear-it attitude’ and thought he could navigate the rough waters.”<\/p>\n
\u201cBut bosses were worried they might lose their golden girl Holly so decided to pull the plug on Phil. He was devastated.”<\/p>\n
“Crew were none the wiser when they left work on Friday afternoon and were fully expecting to see Phil turn up to work on Monday.”<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has felt like the writing was on the wall for some time, but neither he nor many show staff were expecting ITV\u2019s knee-jerk reaction.”<\/p>\n The source added: “Producers have compiled an emergency team of fill-in hosts from their presenting roster to keep the show afloat for the next week.”<\/p>\n “But no decisions have been made about who will sit alongside Holly for the long-term.\u201d<\/p>\n In a statement about Phillip’s departure, Kevin Lygo, ITV\u2019s Managing Director, Media and Entertainment said: \u201cPhillip is hands down one of the best broadcasters of his generation and we thank him for his two decades worth of absolutely terrific television on the This Morning sofa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis Morning is made by one of the best and most diligent teams in television, who produce over 12 hours of live television each week.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe look forward to continuing our relationship with Phillip starting with The British Soap Awards in June and a brand new peak time series to come,” he added.<\/p>\n Holly said:\u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s 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\u2019t feel the same without him.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goss.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-06-at-11.07.28.png\")
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