Phillip Schofield has agreed to leave ITV’s This Morning “with immediate effect” after more than 20 years on the show.

“I understand ITV has decided the current situation cannot continue,” he added in a statement.

His departure comes following rumors that his relationship with co-host Holly Willoughby had soured in recent weeks.

Willoughby commented, “The sofa won’t feel the same without him.”

She will continue to host the show, and will be accompanied by “members of the This Morning family,” according to ITV, who also confirmed Schofield’s Thursday appearance was his final.

Schofield will continue to collaborate with ITV, according to a statement, including The British Soap Awards in June and a “brand new peak time series to come.”

Schofield stated on Instagram, “Throughout my career in TV, including the very difficult last few days, I have always done my best to be honorable and kind.”

“I understand that ITV has decided that the current situation cannot continue, and I want to do everything in my power to protect the show that I adore.”

“As a result, I’ve agreed to leave 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 incredible viewers, and I hope to see you all at the Soap Awards next month.”

“It’s been over 13 great years presenting This Morning with Phil,” Willoughby said on Instagram. “I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all of his knowledge, experience, and humour.”

ITV’s managing director of media and entertainment, Kevin Lygo, praised Schofield as “one of the best broadcasters of his generation” and congratulated him for “two decades of absolutely terrific television.”

Schofield has been a regular This Morning host since 2002, and Willoughby since 2009. They also co-present ITV’s Dancing On Ice.

After The Sun reported on a “cooling” in the pair’s friendship earlier this month, Schofield told the publication, “The last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us.”

“She is an incredible support on screen, behind the scenes, and on the phone,” he remarked of his co-host.

Willoughby will take a “early half term holiday,” according to ITV, and will return to the screen on June 5.

Schofield returned to the show lately after having a pre-planned leave to attend his younger brother’s sex assault trial at Exeter Crown Court.

Timothy Schofield was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Friday for 11 sexual offenses against children committed between 2016 and 2019.

Phillip Schofield rose to prominence on children’s television in the 1980s, first on the BBC’s Broom Cupboard and subsequently on the Saturday morning show Going Live!

Before joining This Morning, he appeared in West End plays and hosted TV game series such as Talking Telephone Numbers and Schofield’s Quest.

The show has garnered numerous honors, including best daytime program at last year’s National Television honors.

While their on-screen connection may have gained plaudits and audiences, Schofield and Willoughby were chastised in September last year for allegedly skipping the queue for the Queen’s lying-in-state while filming a program.

Willoughby was also absent from the event in April after contracting shingles.