Phillip Schofield has left This Morning

After over 20 years on the This Morning sofa, Phillip Schofield has decided to take a step back from the ITV morning after having presented his last episode on Thursday 18 May.

Schofield co-hosted the multi-award winning show for two decades alongside Holly Willoughby.

He will now continue to present peak time shows for ITV, including next month’s The British Soap Awards and a new prime time series.

ITV

The show is the most watched daytime show on a commercial channel, with approximately over 2,000 guests visiting the This Morning studio each year.

Willoughby will remain on This Morning and will co-present with other members of the This Morning family.

She is set to return to This Morning on Monday 5th June having taken an early half-term holiday starting Monday 22nd May.

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.”

Instagram/@schofe

Willoughby, who first presented the show with Schofield on 14th September 2009, said: “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.”

Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Managing Director, 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.”