Phillip Schofield’s ‘high risk’ next appearance sparks ‘concern’ with ITV bosses | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV

This Morning host Phillip Schofield announced he was leaving the ITV magazine programme at the weekend after presenting it for two decades.

Phil’s departure comes after months of speculation about a “rift” between him and co-host Holly Willoughby who worked together on This Morning for 13 years.

Phil, 63, thanked his fans for their support during his time on This Morning in his exit statement.

However, ITV highlighted Phil will be back on screens soon as he is due to host this year’s British Soap Awards.

Phil confirmed on social media: “I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month.”

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Fears are circulating that his appearance at the event “could get messy” in the wake of Phil’s former This Morning colleagues sharing unemotional tributes to him.

Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary briefly told This Morning fans on Monday about Phil’s departure and Holly shared a post on Instagram about him.

An insider told Mail Online of the British Soap Awards: “It’s a big Saturday night event with celebrities and a paying public audience in the theatre.

“It’s happening very soon. What if viewers side with Holly, and Phil gets jeered?”

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They claimed it is a “high-risk return” for Phil, claiming his “presence might overshadow the awards”.

Express.co.uk has contacted ITV for comment.

Former best pals Holly and Phil are set to face off at the National Television Awards later this year after both being recognised in the best presenter list.

Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly are part of the category, with the Geordie duo having taken the award home 21 years in a row.

But they announced last week they are taking a break from their longrunning programme Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.

The pair said on social media the “milestone” of the 20th series felt like the “perfect time to pause for a little while and catch our breath”.

They will still host I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Britain’s Got Talent and Limitless Win.

The British Soap Awards are taking place on June 3 and will be broadcast on ITV.