ITV issues new statement on Phillip Schofield This Morning exit and Holly Willoughby's involvement after Eamonn Holmes rant

ITV has issued a fresh statement on Phillip Schofield's exit from This Morning after former star Eamonn Holmes unleashed a rant over his ex-colleague. It has been days since it was confirmed that Phillip had sensationally quit This Morning after 20 years on the famous sofa.

The presenter 'stepped back' with 'immediate effect' and in a statement said the programme had 'become the story' and that he wanted to "do what I can to protect the show that I love" after rumours were rife that he and Holly Willoughby were 'barely speaking' behind the scenes amid a 'rift' between the pair.

Holly, 42 also, issued a statement in response to the news, which she also shared on Instagram, saying: "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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And earlier this week, Eamonn took a fresh swipe at his former This Morning co-stars as he appeared on GB News for the first time since it was confirmed that Phillip had left the ITV daytime show. Joining Isabel Webster on their breakfast show, the veteran presenter made a barbed comment about Phillip and Holly Willoughby as their 14-year partnership came to a shock end.

Eamonn mad claims over how Phillip exited the show and blasted the veteran presenter and Holly, claiming they 'deserved each other'. After questioning Phillip's exit from This Morning, the 63-year-old went on: "And she says: 'Oh, the couch will not be the same without him being there'. Well she wanted him not there. So what is she moaning about?"

He also said: "Holly knows the truth, the story is