End of an era

Speculation over new star as rift with Holly finally comes to a head

- Tony Whitfield

PHILLIP Schofield dramatically quit ITV's flagship show This Morning amid reports of a feud with co-host Holly Willoughby.

The 61-year-old star, who has presented the show since 2002, stepped back with immediate effect and will not return to the famous sofa which he has shared with Willoughby for 14 years.

He issued a statement yesterday announcing the shock decision, saying he had throughout his TV career, "including the very difficult last few days", tried his best to be "kind and honourable". But he said the show had become the story, and understood ITV bosses had decided "the current situation can't go on" and he had acted "to protect the show that I love".

Willoughby, 42, who has presented with him since September 2009, later released a statement on her social media saying: "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." ITV bosses are standing by the star and in a statement said he will continue to present peak-time shows for the channel, including next month's British Soap Awards and a new prime-time series.