This Morning boss of 10 years quits after Phillip Schofield scandal and ratings drop

Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield,
-Credit: (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC)


This Morning is set to lose another leading figure after its editor announced his plans to step down after 10 years.

Martin Frizell will leave the programme in Spring 2025, although it is currently unclear who will replace him.

The broadcaster joined ITV in 2014 as Editor of Loose Women, before switching to This Morning, the Mirror reports. He is the longest serving editor of the show, which has won a slew of National Television Awards and weathered some damaging scandals under his leadership.

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The editor explained that he is stepping back from television to focus on supporting his wife Fiona Phillips, the former GM:TV host, in her battle with Alzheimer's.

Martin will focus on supporting his wife Fiona Phillips, who is living with Alzheimer's -Credit:Getty Images Europe
Martin will focus on supporting his wife Fiona Phillips, who is living with Alzheimer's -Credit:Getty Images Europe

Martin said: “Next year I’m expecting my family priorities to change so I need to free up time for them. I love my team at ITV and will miss them and the thrill of live telly but it’s an always on, 24 hours a day, seven days a week commitment and I won’t be able to do both.”

He added: “It’s been a privilege to lead truly great presenters and producers, between us we’ve turned out more than six thousand hours of live topical telly, that’s around 20,000 items and whilst the gongs are always nice. I’m most proud of the change we made to so many lives, even saving a fair few with our campaigns on anti suicide, menopause, testicular cancer and ‘how - to’ items. This juggernaut is the toughest test for any broadcast journalist.”

Viewing figures halved when Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley became the show's new permanent hosts -Credit:ITV
Viewing figures halved when Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley became the show's new permanent hosts -Credit:ITV

The announcement sparked a series of tributes from other broadcasting bosses, who recognised This Morning's earlier triumphs.

Kevin Lygo, Managing Director, Media and Entertainment said: “This Morning is an iconic show in ITV’s schedule, and heading the team for a decade, producing more than ten hours of original, topical, live television every week is an amazing achievement.

“As a programme and a brand, Martin has made sure the show continues to be a household name, an award-winning staple of the schedule with a growing successful presence in digital and social. On behalf of the ITV Network, we thank Martin and wish him the very best for his future ventures.”

This Morning has been mired in scandal in recent years, with popular presenters Phil and Holly both leaving the show -Credit:Pixel8000
This Morning has been mired in scandal in recent years, with popular presenters Phil and Holly both leaving the show -Credit:Pixel8000

Emma Gormley, Managing Director, ITV Studios Daytime, added: “Martin has brought so much success to This Morning over the last decade which has seen an evolving landscape of changing and diversifying viewing habits. Under Martin, This Morning is now one of the nation’s most engaged formats, on both ITV and social platforms, hitting an amazing 1 billion views across this year alone; an incredible legacy.

“I am proud of the brilliance and energy that he has brought to his role as custodian of this iconic brand. Martin's decade-long contribution to the longevity and good health of our flagship show has been remarkable, and he leaves it in a place where it can continue to thrive into the next decade and beyond.”

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