Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary serve as presenters of This Morning

Schofield announced on Saturday (May 20) that he was stepping down from his role as co-host of This Morning after more than 20 years on the breakfast show with “effective immediately”.

Holly Willoughby, who has co-hosted Schofield since 2009, will remain on the show but is taking an early vacation break next week and will return on June 5.

Hammond and O’Leary, who co-host the show on Fridays, will be on the sofa in their absence on Monday morning, but ITV has not yet confirmed who will be hosting for the rest of the week.

Both Hammond and O’Leary are among the favorites to replace Schofield full-time, along with the likes of Rylan Clark, Gino D’Acampo and Rochelle and Marvin Humes, who have all served time in various roles on the series.

ITV said Willoughby will remain on This Morning and will “co-host with members of the This Morning family” in the meantime.

Last Thursday was Schofield’s last day on the show, as the network said he would not be returning for a final episode.

Why did Phillip Schofield leave this morning?

Phillip Schofield announced on Saturday that he was stepping down from his role on This Morning, effective immediately.

The announcement comes after a tumultuous few months for Schofield.

He has been the focus of numerous headlines related to reports of a falling out with his longtime This Morning co-host Willoughby, his brother’s sexual abuse trial and public outcry over his visit to the late Queen Elizabeth II, who lies in the state.

– This morning (@thismorning) May 20, 2023

Schofield shared the news of his exit from This Morning on Instagram, saying: “I’ve always prided myself on covering fascinating stories on This Morning. But lately, 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.

“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 a result, 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 all at the Soap Awards next month.”