Family Fortunes took an ‘awkward’ turn when a question about This Morning cropped up just hours after Phillip Schofield quit.
Schofield, 61, stepped down from presenting on the long-running ITV show on Saturday (20 May) after 20 years on the sofa.
ITV confirmed that his co-host, Holly Willoughby, would remain on This Morning and present alongside others, with plans for her to return on Monday 5 June after taking an early half-term holiday from today.
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Explaining the decision to leave the programme, Schofield said: “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. 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.”
In a strange twist of fate, the show came up on this weekend’s episode of Family Fortunes, an ITV quiz show based on the American show, Family Feud.
Host Gino D’Acampo asked: "Name someone who appears on the TV show This Morning."
One of the players gave the top answer of Holly Willoughby, before another guessed the second highest scoring answer... Phillip Schofield.
Naturally, the moment did not go unmissed by eagle-eyed viewers at home.
“Unfortunate choice of Family Fortunes category tonight,” one wrote.
Someone else said: “This is awkward. Family Fortunes got a question about This Morning, oh Lord and Philip Schofield is the spot prize…”
A third added: "I wonder if Phillip Schofield is watching Family Fortunes right now?"
Another commented: “The timing of this is stunning #FamilyFortunes.”
Commenting on Schofield’s departure, Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, said: “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.”
Topics: Holly Willoughby, ITV, Phillip Schofield, TV and Film, This Morning, Gino D'Acampo
Jess Hardiman