Phillip Schofield leaves This Morning after more than 20 years

The presenter said he wanted to 'protect the show I love'

The 61-year-old, who joined the morning show in 2002, presented his last show on Thursday.

In a statement on Saturday, Schofield said he was stepping back because the programme "has become the story" and "I want to do what I can to protect the show I love".

The announcement comes after weeks of headlines about his deteriorating relationship with co-presenter, Holly Willoughby, and his brother being jailed for sexually abusing a teenage boy.

Schofield only recently returned to This Morning after taking pre-planned leave when his younger brother, Timothy, stood trial last month.

Timothy was jailed for 12 years on Friday.

Holly Willoughby responds to Phillip Schofield leaving This Morning

Phillip Schofield leaves This Morning after more than 20 years

Phillip Schofield’s statement in full as he leaves This Morning with ‘immediate effect’

Phillip Schofield’s brother Timothy jailed for sexually abusing boy