Phillip Schofield has presented Dancing On Ice since 2006 (Picture: WireImage)
Phillip Schofield’s future on Dancing On Ice has been cast in doubt following his departure from This Morning.
The presenter, 61, confirmed on Saturday he would be leaving the ITV daytime show with ‘immediate effect’ following rumours of a fallout with his co-star Holly Willoughby.
It had been reported the duo were ‘barely speaking’ behind the scenes although they continued to put on a united front hosting the long-running programme this week.
While Holly, 42, never publicly addressed claims of a rift, she did address his exit on Instagram, writing that ‘the sofa won’t feel the same without him.’
ITV said Phil would ‘continue to present peak time shows including next month’s The British Soap Awards and a new prime time series.’
However, it is unclear whether he will return to Dancing On Ice alongside the Wylde Moon founder.
Phil announced he would be leaving This Morning after 14 years (Picture: ITV)
Metro.co.uk understands that Dancing On Ice is not in production, as the competition regularly airs at the start of every year and celebrity line-up has yet to be announced
Phil has presented the competition series since 2006 alongside Holly although she took a pause for several years during which she was replaced by Christine Bleakley.
Holly and Phil, meanwhile, have presented This Morning for 14 years.
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Announcing his departure, Phil said on Instagram: ‘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.
Holly said the ‘sofa wouldn’t be the same’ without Phil (Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
‘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.’
His exit comes after his brother, Timothy Schofield, was sentenced to 12 years in jail on Friday after being convicted of child sex offences.
Metro.co.uk has contacted ITV and Phillip’s reps for comment.
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Phil is leaving This Morning ‘with immediate effect.’
