This Morning star Holly Willoughby took an early half-term holiday break from the beloved breakfast show following the exit of her co-star, Phillip Schofield, following increasing media attention surrounding the pair’s friendship. But will she return to the show, and if so, when? Here’s what we know…
It was confirmed that Holly would take a two-week break from presenting the series, with Alison Hammond presenting in the meantime alongside Dermot O’Leary and Craig Doyle. However, during her time off, Phillip revealed that he had an affair with a younger male colleague who worked on the breakfast show, putting Holly's return to the ITV show in question.
However, ITV bosses confirmed that she would be back on the show, telling Manchester Evening News: "As per our statement on Saturday 20th May, Holly Willoughby will return to This Morning on Monday 5th June following an extended half term break."
Holly released a brief statement regarding her former co-star, who quit the show after 20 years in late May. Sharing her response to Phillip's revelations, Holly wrote: "It's taken time to process yesterday's news. When reports of this relationship first surfaced, I asked Phil directly if this was true and was told it was not. It's been very hurtful to find out that was a lie. Holly."
She also posted after her co-star confirmed his exit, posting on Instagram: “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 all of his knowledge, his experience and his humour. The sofa won’t feel the same without him.”
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Phillip’s statement read: “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. 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.”
Following Phillip's exit, Alison and Dermot gave a brief statement about his exit, saying: "We can't start the show without paying tribute to the man who spent the last two decades sitting on the This Morning sofa. Quite simply, we all know he's one of the best live television broadcasters this country has ever had and we and all the team wish him all the best.”
Dermot added: "As a show, everyone on and off screen want to say a huge thank you to Phil for what he's done to make the show a success over the last 21 years.”
Piers Morgan, who previously worked for Good Morning Britain on ITV, spoke about the situation in his column for The Sun, admitting that he had spoken to Phillip, who is “heartbroken”.
The presenter, who left himself back in 2021 after refusing to apologise for his comments about Meghan Markle, wrote: "For ITV to not even give him the chance to say a proper goodbye to his large, loyal audience after 21 years struck me as needlessly churlish, and I know he’s utterly heartbroken about it because he told me himself."
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