Holly Willoughby triumphed in her ‘feud’ against Phillip Schofield as ITV bosses saw her as the future of This Morning.
The duo’s reign as the star couple of the ITV show came to an end on Saturday when Phil quit with immediate effect.
The 61-year-old TV presenter quit the show after reports of a feud with his co-host Holly Willoughby, 42 – Thursday May 18 was his last show ever.
Phillip’s retirement completes Holly’s rise to the top after 14 years – having originally been drafted for This Morning to replace Fern Britton in 2009.
At the time Phillip was by far the better known star and Holly was initially overshadowed by him.
Victory: Holly Willoughby triumphed in her ‘feud’ against Phillip Schofield as ITV bosses saw her as the future of This Morning
End of an era: The duo’s reign as the star couple of the ITV show came to an end on Saturday when Phil quit with immediate effect
However, their row has revealed Holly’s true worth on the show as ITV bosses have decided to give her unequivocal support.
A source told The Sun: “Holly is the real winner from all of this as she came out victorious and in class.” She pulled off a feat.
“The situation between the crumbling partnership became so serious that ITV bosses had to decide which horse to support – Phil or Holly.” And it was clear where their loyalties lay.
“It was never easy getting rid of Phil. But producers had to think about the longevity of the show. Holly was his future and they want her to be happy.’
When Holly joined “This Morning,” she quickly won over viewers with her engaging personality and down-to-earth manner and became a permanent fixture on the series.
In 2018, Phillip was said to be “upset” after Holly was chosen to replace Ant McPartlin as co-host of “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here” with Declan Donnelly.
The role was Holly’s first major solo break as she began to build a new life alongside Phillip.
She later decided to leave her and Phillip’s old management, YMU Group, to start her own agency – Roxy Management.
Phillip said: “I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect in the hope that the show can see a bright future.”
Rising star: Holly began making her name alongside Phil when she hosted the show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here in 2018
However, her relationship with her old management became strained as she became involved in a legal battle over her future earnings.
The case was settled out of court and Holly made a million pounds from it.
She became the presenter of Take Off With Bradley & Holly on BBC1 and launched her own lifestyle brand, Wylde Moon, in 2021.
Profitable collaborations followed for the presenter, including with Marks and Spencer, which is believed to have netted her £950,000.
Phil has tried to start side projects of his own – such as the game show ‘The Cube’ on ITV – but they have always failed to get off the ground.
Phillip admitted on Saturday that “This Morning” had “become history” after ten days of intense media scrutiny and reports of a falling out between the two presenters.
In a statement released on Saturday, Phillip said: “I’ve always prided myself on covering fascinating stories on This Morning.” But recently, This Morning has become history itself.
“Throughout my career in television – including the very difficult last few days – I have always tried my best to be honorable and kind.
Holly shared her own statement, which read, “I want to take this opportunity to thank the film for all its knowledge, experience and humor.” The sofa won’t feel the same without him.
History: The presenter duo (pictured in November 2009) have worked together for more than a decade after Holly replaced Fern Britton as Phillip’s co-host in 2009
Early years: Phillip joined This Morning in 2002, where he co-hosted with Fern Britton for seven years (pictured with Fern in 2005).
“I understand that ITV has decided the current situation cannot continue and I want to do what I can to protect the show I love.”
“As such, I have agreed to step down from This Morning, effective immediately, in the hope that the show can see a bright future.”
“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially the amazing viewers of This Morning – and see you at the Soap Awards next month.”
But it seemed like Schofield already knew his time was up when he signed off from the show Thursday.
Watching his recent appearance as This Morning presenter Judi James, body language expert, said: “Holly actually started picking his fingers around, Phil kept his hands in his pockets and hopped on his heels, with a glow in his eyes and a mouth clamp.”
“He kept his lips together but lifted his chin in parting and pulled the corners of his mouth down, which could be a sign of resilience.”
“Holly was the one who said ‘See you Monday!’ with a cheeky nod of the head and raised her left hand in a move Phil didn’t mirror and he just called out ‘Bye!'”
“When the camera pulled away, her smile looked just as mismatched as the robot’s.” “Phil took a step back from Holly as she walked straight over to speak to the shopper and stretched out her arms to hug her.”
Speaking up: Phillip broke his silence earlier this month, stressing that there had been no arguments with Holly after a series of controversies including the child molestation convictions of Queuegate and his brother Timothy
Kevin Lygo, ITV’s chief executive officer for media and entertainment, said: “Phillip is undoubtedly one of the best broadcasters of his generation and we thank him for two decades of absolutely amazing TV shows on the This Morning sofa.”
“This Morning is produced by one of the finest and hardest working teams in television, producing 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.”
Holly posted a separate statement on her Instagram account, which read: “Hi everyone… it’s been over 13 great years presenting This Morning with Phil and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for everyone thanks for his knowledge, experience and humor. The sofa won’t feel the same without him.’
Holly will return to This Morning on Monday 5th June after taking early semi-annual leave from Monday 22nd May.
Phillip’s dramatic departure from “This Morning” comes after reports he and Holly weren’t as close as they used to be and barely spoke to each other off-camera.
Surprisingly, Phillip broke his silence earlier this month, stressing that there have been no arguments with his 14-year-old co-host after a spate of controversy, including the child molestation convictions of Queuegate and his brother Timothy.
As Phillip admitted “the last few weeks have not been easy for us,” sources close to Holly told Web that she had no idea Phillip would be making a statement. They added that she first saw it when it was posted online.
Controversy: Phillip said his family went through “a real ordeal” after his younger brother Timothy (pictured) was convicted of child molestation
“The last few weeks have not been easy for any of us. “Like I said before, Holly is my rock,” Phil told The Sun.
“We’re best friends – as always she’s an incredible support on screen, behind the scenes and on the phone.” Holly has always been there for me, through thick and thin. And I was there for her.’
The bosses were said to be in a crisis over the move, and there were reports that Holly wanted to end their working relationship for good.
There has been talk of why their 14-year reign as “best friends” is over, but the Mail’s Katie Hind has been told that at the heart of the dispute is a dispute over whether Phillip confided in Holly that his brother Timothy, A Police IT staff charged with child molestation.
Friends say Holly was groping in the dark until Phillip took a week’s leave from ITV daytime to avoid the limelight while the trial was taking place last month – something he is struggling to deny.
Timothy Schofield, 54, was convicted of 11 felonies and sentenced to 12 years in prison on May 19.