On the 17th July, Ferns Birthday she will leave the Silver Fox that is Philip Schofiled and This Morning behind. A lot of speculation has appeared in the media saying that the This Morning Presenters had had a falling out, but Fern has said to viewers that it is just that she wants to slow down a bit and concentrate on her family and become a This Morning viewer herself.

Follow up:

The This Morning presenter, who announced yesterday that she will quit the show after ten years, went to great lengths to praise her co-host, branding him 'simply the best'.

In a final effort to dismiss speculation surrounding her departure, she appeared to silently mouth the word 'b****cks', which she said was 'for our deaf viewers'.

The early morning outburst was also accompanied by a hand gesture.

Earlier, she told viewers: 'I realise people like to speculate, rather hurtfully, but the reason is 10 years is a long time on the show and I'm ready for a change. I want to slow down a little and enjoy life a bit.
'Working with Phil has been magical but I do have another Phil in my life,' she said, referring to her husband Phil Vickery.

She went on to say that her next project is to plant a vegetable plot and become a This Morning viewer 'cheering on whoever the lucky person is who will work with Phillip, because he is, after all, simply the best.'

Phil reciprocated with an equally gushing response, saying: 'Nobody will miss you more than me.'

Now speculation has started who will take her place on the sofa.

I've really enjoyed watching Fern and Phil, they get on so well and have a good old giggle every now and again, which has made them more lovable and down to earth. It will take a big character to fill her space.