...By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
Piers Morgan, a well-known TV presenter, has spoken out about Phillip Schofield’s feelings of being “utterly heartbroken” due to not having the opportunity to say a proper goodbye to the audience after being on This Morning for two decades.
Schofield, a veteran presenter at 61 years old, recently announced his immediate resignation from the ITV talk show.
Meanwhile, it was announced that his co-presenter, Holly Willoughby, will continue on the show but will take an early half-term holiday leave.
Temporary Hosts Fill In as Phillip Schofield’s Departure Leaves Void
Alison Hammond and Craig Doyle were chosen to present This Morning on Wednesday, following Hammond and Dermot O’Leary’s temporary takeover in the first two days following Schofield’s departure on the previous Thursday.
Piers Morgan Expresses Empathy for Schofield’s Departure
Piers Morgan, in his column for the Sun newspaper, expressed his personal empathy for Phillip Schofield regarding the manner in which he was let go.
While Morgan admitted he did not know the full story behind Schofield’s departure, he found it needlessly churlish that ITV did not allow him the chance to bid a proper farewell to his devoted audience after 21 years on the show.
According to Morgan, Schofield himself revealed his utter heartbreak over the matter.
Speculation Arises About Schofield’s Replacement
Piers Morgan sparked speculation about who might replace Phillip Schofield, suggesting it could be a “halo-clad household name” who had previously applied for the job.
This person had famously stormed off Good Morning Britain in 2021 and subsequently left the show.
Morgan, 58 years old, had previously reconciled with Schofield after a 25-year rift.
He stated that Schofield was neither the evil monster he was portrayed to be nor the angel his previous reputation suggested.
Betrayal and Damage to Schofield’s Reputation
Morgan pointed out the ruthless backstabbing prevalent in daytime television, comparing it unfavorably to the world of Westminster politics.
Schofield’s downfall, in Morgan’s view, illustrated the fickle nature of the industry.
Once considered the undisputed king of morning TV and on the path to becoming a national treasure, Schofield was suddenly dethroned, shamed, vilified, and became a subject of ridicule on social media.
Many of his supposed friends and colleagues turned on him, engaging in leaks, smears, and damaging headlines.
Insights on the Brutality of Daytime Television
Morgan described the last few days as brutal to watch as news about Schofield continued to unfold.
He received an email from a former senior ITV executive who described daytime television as an “absolute nest of vipers with zero loyalty.”
The lack of loyalty and cutthroat nature of the industry was evident in Schofield’s experience.
Controversy Surrounding Schofield’s Departure
Schofield’s decision to leave This Morning followed months of controversy, including reports of a rift with his long-time co-host, Holly Willoughby, as well as his brother’s sex abuse trial and a public outcry over his visit to the late Queen’s lying-in-state.
Future Plans for This Morning
ITV has announced that when Holly Willoughby returns on Monday, June 5, she will co-present with members of the This Morning family.
The broadcaster has been contacted for further comment on the situation.
