Piers Morgan comes to defence of Phillip Schofield and insists he’s not ‘evil monster’

Piers Morgan has come to the defence of Phillip Schofield after insisting he's not an 'evil monster'.

Morgan revealed that while he doesn't know the 'full story' behind the abrupt departure, he declared Schofield is not the 'evil monster he's being painted as'.

It has been confirmed that Willoughby will co-present with other members of the show's family alongside some new people.

Taking to Piers Morgan Uncensored yesterday (23 May), the broadcaster declared: "Phillip’s not the evil monster he’s being painted as, nor is he the angel his previously halo-clad reputation suggested."

"But I also know some of his colleagues, current and past, who speak highly of him and feel genuinely sad that his career is going up in smoke like this."

Morgan went on to claim the situation regarding Schofield's abrupt departure was 'further evidence' of the 'ruthless backstabbing in the world of daytime television'.

He added: "One minute Schofield was the undisputed king of morning TV and fast heading to bona fide national treasure status - the next he’s a dethroned, shamed, vilified, national disgrace and social media laughing stock.

"It’s been brutal to watch, but again, entirely unsurprising."

The television personality later disclosed: "I don’t know the full story behind Phillip Schofield’s downfall, but where I feel personal empathy with him is over the manner of his sacking.

"I know he’s utterly heartbroken about it because he told me himself," Morgan claimed.

Speaking of his own leave-taking from GMB, Morgan explained: "I, too, was deprived of saying goodbye to my GMB audience and that hurt after putting so much effort into gaining their trust.

"But he can at least console himself with the fact that he got publicly thanked by his employers."

The official statement on Schofield's exit from ITV’s Director of Television, Kevin Lygo read: "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."

Morgan went on to write: "By contrast, I didn’t get a single word of praise or gratitude."

The statement about his own departure from GMB, which Morgan describes as 'Siberia-cold ', reads: "Following discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan has decided now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain.

"ITV has accepted this decision and has nothing further to add."