Phillip Schofield is said to be "devastated" following his departure from This Morning, as he reportedly feels he's been "shown zero respect" by ITV.
On Saturday, the 61 year old announced that he would be leaving This Morning "with immediate effect" after 21 years of fronting it.
The announcement came after weeks of talk about a "feud" between Phillip and his former co-host and best pal, Holly Willoughby, 42, alongside whom he presented the show since her arrival in 2009.
Tellingly, in Phillip's statement, he alluded to being forced to step down from his role, saying that he "understood that ITV has decided the current situation can't go on", but he is now said to be feeling like he's been show no respect from the broadcaster.
A source told The Sun: "Phil feels he has been shown zero respect and he is devastated by how this has played out.
"He thinks the way he was forced to step down was so unjust and he feels completely broken by how this situation has been handled
"This Morning was Phil’s life and now he feels he has been knifed without proper consultation."
Phillip is said to have consulted his mother, Pat, ex-wife Stephanie, and their daughters, Molly and Ruby, before making the difficult decision to leave the show, to which he has dedicated much of his working life.
In a bid to "soften the blow," Phil is said to be getting paid six months' worth of wages by ITV, despite no longer appearing on This Morning.
Following Phil's departure, his former co-host Holly Willoughby is taking an extended break from presenting duties, and she will be returning on 5 June.
In his statement released on Saturday, Phillip said: “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.
“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.”
In light of the news, co-host Holly Willoughby also released a statement as she explained the "sofa won't feel the same" without him.
Holly said: “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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