Phillip Schofield brutally axed from This Morning within minutes of coming off air, coldly denying chance of farewell
PHILLIP Schofield was axed from This Morning minutes after coming off air on Thursday — coldly denying him the chance of a farewell to fans.
The host of 21 years was in an office with show chief Martin Frizzell and told his contract, due to end this summer, was not being renewed.
Devastated Phil then drove 300 miles from London to Cornwall to see mum Pat, 85, where he spent Friday pouring his heart out to her on a coastal walk — as our exclusive pictures show.
His exit was confirmed yesterday, after weeks of intense speculation about his future and a feud with co-host Holly Willoughby, 42 — and as an insider revealed the row was even putting off guests from appearing with them.
It comes as:
- Holly paid tribute to Phillip after he quit
- ITV reveal Phillip has landed a new primetime show despite his This Morning exit
- Amanda Holden took a cryptic swipe at Phillip
- Dermot O’Leary tipped as favourite to replace Phillip Schofield for good
- Fans all say the same thing about Phillip after his exit
- An expert described Phillip’s body language in his last ever show on Thursday as ‘toe-curling’
Phil, 61, was also expected to leave Dancing on Ice, which the pair also presented together.
But he will host other ITV shows.
And we can reveal the former pals have had a private chat, thought to be on the phone, since Thursday’s show.
A source said: “It’s been a very difficult time for them but they talked about the end of an era and called something of a truce.”
Phil made no mention of Holly yesterday in a statement announcing his shock departure.
He said: “I’ve 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 the show can move forward to a bright future.
“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.”
Holly, 42, kept her statement brief, 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.”
The mum of three will take a break from the show and return after half-term on Monday, June 5.
Emergency presenters will be drafted in next week.
Meanwhile Holly has told pals she intends to keep her head down during the time she is off camera.
ITV managing director Kevin Lygo said yesterday: “Phillip 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.
“This Morning is made by one of the best and most diligent teams in television, who produce over 12 hours of live television each week.
“We 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.”
We can reveal that ITV bosses held crisis meetings on Friday and yesterday to discuss Holly and Phil’s falling-out.
She was reportedly further annoyed when he put out a statement to The Sun last week admitting “the last few weeks haven’t been easy for us”.
Sources claim she knew about it only when it was published by us online.
Bosses had decided the situation was unworkable following clear on-screen tension between them last week which led to the show shedding 170,000 viewers.
Meanwhile another insider revealed that some celebrity and political guests was requesting to appear on Fridays with Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary rather than Holly and Phil.
The insider said: “Senior producers could no longer ignore this and it was becoming a real problem.”
Staff had been told to prepare for a June 6 meeting with ITV’s head of daytime Emma Gormley at which a big announcement was due.
But it seems the axe was wielded quicker.
A TV source: “The 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. 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.
“But bosses were worried they might lose their golden girl Holly so decided to pull the plug on Phil. He was devastated.
“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.
“It has felt like the writing was on the wall for some time, but neither he nor many show staff were expecting ITV’s knee-jerk reaction.
“Producers have compiled an emergency team of fill-in hosts from their presenting roster to keep the show afloat for the next week.
But no decisions have been made about who will sit alongside Holly for the long-term.”
While Phil was in Cornwall on Friday his brother Tim was jailed for 12 years for child-sex offences.
Phil was dressed in jeans and a hoodie as he helped his mother use a walking frame.
A source said: “They are extremely close and he would have listened intently to her opinion.”
Meanwhile, a source close to Holly said: “She is now focused on a fresh start with new presenting partnerships. It feels like the right time for renewal. Her husband Dan Baldwin is a TV executive and is incredibly supportive of her behind the scenes.”
Meanwhile, show boss Mr Frizell’s future is also hanging in the balance. He is set for talks with senior exec Ms Gormley tomorrow.
