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Fern pays tribute to Phil then spoils the moment
Updated 12:49pm on 26 Mar 2009Fern Britton today spoiled her bid to quash rumours she was quitting this Morning because of a rift with Phillip Schofield - by mouthing a swearword. The 51-year-old presenter declared on the show that her co-host was "simply the best" and her time working with him was "magical" but then added, "that's enough of that bo***cks".
Britton's got talon: Fern Britton gestures with her hand and mouths "bo***cks" next to Phillip Schofield
She mouthed the swearword rather than saying it aloud, but then joked: "that was for our deaf viewers." It was rumoured Britton was quitting over a row about Schofield's salary after it emerged he earned three times more than her. Sources say she is furious that Schofield, 46, signed to itV for £2m a year, pockets £45,000 a show for Mr & Mrs, which they co-host, compared to her £15,000.
But today she said she wanted to "slow down my life a bit" and spend more time with her husband, TV chef Phil Vickery.
At the start of the show she thanked viewers for their messages of support and said it was her first chance to tell them herself she is leaving. She said: "i realise people like to speculate - rather hurtfully - as to why, but 10 years is a long time on any programme."
She added that her immediate plans were to make a vegetable patch and become a this Morning viewer, " cheerleading on" whoever replaces her.
Schofield last night released a statement saying he was "very sad" she was leaving and adding: "From day one we just 'clicked'. i'm really proud of what we've achieved together on the show."
Former GMTV host Fiona Phillips and ruth Langsford, who presents this Morning on Fridays, are believed to be in the running to replace Britton.
At the start of the show she thanked viewers for their messages of support and said it was her first chance to tell them herself she is leaving. She said: "i realise people like to speculate - rather hurtfully - as to why, but 10 years is a long time on any programme."
She added that her immediate plans were to make a vegetable patch and become a this Morning viewer, " cheerleading on" whoever replaces her.
Schofield last night released a statement saying he was "very sad" she was leaving and adding: "From day one we just 'clicked'. i'm really proud of what we've achieved together on the show."
Former GMTV host Fiona Phillips and ruth Langsford, who presents this Morning on Fridays, are believed to be in the running to replace Britton.
Reader views (7)
I used to really love Fern before she developed a cocky attitude, but now i cant wait for her to go. My favourite replacement for her would be Ruth as i already enjoy her on Ferns days off. My next choice would be Fiona Philllips as i think she is funny, caring, warm and honest.
- Carol, Orpington, 28/03/2009 10:43
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Philip Scholfield worked on New Zealand TV years ago and when he left
I think people were pleased that they did not have to be subjected to him.
He was always irritating to watch and now he is so popular with the British.
- Brian Fast, Sydney australia, 27/03/2009 06:18
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She still earns a heavyweight sum for what seems to be sitting about chatting to people, if she was happy with the pay and took the job why is her co-presenters pay suddenly an issue? Phillip is a legend and the chemistry with him and Fern will continue to the next presenter as the catalyst (Phil) remains. I used to love Fern but her resignation is nothing short of petulant. If Fiona Phillips worms her way onto the program then it will be the death of it, she makes my skin crawl - Kezia Baum you are spot on an I just know we are not alone.
- Adam N, Little Dunmow, England, 27/03/2009 00:18
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PLEEEEEEAAAASSSEEE NOT MISERY GUTS FIONA PHILLIPS AGAINNNN!!!! HER RETIREMENT WAS HER GREATEST CONTRIBUTION TO BRITISH TV. I will miss Fern terribly, she is a TV legend and is irreplaceable. Perhaps a new face may be the way to go.
- Dan, London, 26/03/2009 21:20
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Please please PLEASE let it not be Fiona Phillips. I was so thrilled to see the back of her from GMTV = which I can now watch again - so to hear she might pop up to ruin This Morning is truly awful news.
- Kezia Baum, London UK, 26/03/2009 16:58
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It's a real shame that Fern is leaving This Morning. I have always felt that there is a great working chemistry between herself and Philip Schofield
- Michelle Haughton, London, 26/03/2009 13:57
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And why shouldn't she move on if her co-presenter is getting 2/3 more pay for doing the same job?
Would that be the case if its was the other way round - NO! it wouldn't.
Pay equality has a long way to go in this country!
Good for you, there loss Fern, someone elses gain (for more pay hopefully!!)
- Janey C, inverness scotland, 26/03/2009 12:58
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