Rochelle Humes sends public message to Phillip Schofield weeks after fronting This Morning together

Rochelle Humes has shown her support to Phillip Schofield after his exit from This Morning was announced. The pair were seen hosting the show together just a few weeks ago after Rochelle stepped into Holly Willoughby's spot as she was ill.

Holly, 42, was forced to take a week off of work on the ITV daytime show last week following a two-week Easter break. Her planned return to the programme alongside Phillip, who hasn't been seen on-screen for three weeks after taking on an unexpecting extra week off during his brother's sex abuse trial, was hit by a setback. after she came down with shingles.

However, the prolonged absence is said to have contributed to a 'cooling' of the pair's friendship which later turned into rumours of a 'rift', with the duo reportedly 'barely speaking' behind the scenes.

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And after weeks of rumours, on Saturday (May 20), Phillip sensationally quit This Morning after 20 years. The presenter said in a statement that 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.

Phillip, 61, also 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