Holly Willoughby says “the sofa won’t feel the same without” Phillip Schofield

Holly Willoughby said “the sofa won’t feel the same without” Phillip Schofield when she sensationally quit This Morning today, but the outgoing host didn’t mention her co-star and friend in her exit statement.

Schofield penned a 122-word post to fans announcing he was leaving ITV’s flagship weekday morning show, while Willoughby and the station’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment Kevin Lygo also made statements.

In it, he acknowledged that This Morning has “become history” following 10 days of intense media scrutiny amid reports of a feud between the show’s two hosts.

He said that he “understood that ITV has decided that the current situation cannot continue” and that he wanted to do what he could to “protect the show that I love”.

However, she did not mention Willoughby, with whom she has been the face of daytime television for 13 years, as her co-star, who will remain on the show, insisted that “the sofa won’t feel the same without him.”

Phillip Schofield’s full statement after he sensationally left ITV’s This Morning

Full statement from Holly Willoughby after her co-star sensationally left ITV’s This Morning

ITV Managing Director of Media and Entertainment Kevin Lygo also made a statement.

Full statement from Phillip Schofield

“I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning has become the story.

“Throughout my television career, including the last few very difficult days, I have always tried my best to be honorable and kind.

I understand that ITV has decided that the current situation cannot continue and I want to do what I can to protect the show I love.

So I’ve agreed to step down from This Morning, effective immediately, in the hope that the show can move forward into a bright future.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me, especially the amazing viewers of This Morning, and I’ll see you all at the Soap Awards next month.”

Holly Willoughby’s statement in full

“It’s been over 13 great years hosting This Morning with Phil and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all his knowledge, experience and humor. The sofa will not feel the same without it.

Kevin Lygo’s statement in full

“Phillip is without a doubt one of the greatest broadcasters of his generation and we thank him for two decades of absolutely excellent television on the This Morning couch.

‘This Morning is made by one of the best and most diligent teams in television, producing over 12 hours of live television every week.

“We look forward to continuing our relationship with Phillip starting with The British Soap Awards in June and a new high season series to come.”