Schofield confirmed he had left the show on Saturday after a rumoured rift with his co-star, saying that This Morning had “become the story”.
He was pictured with his mother in Cornwall on Sunday afternoon on a phone call while looking out to sea.
He added in his statement: “I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love.
“So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future.”
Rumoured rift
It follows a bruising period for Schofield, which included his brother Timothy being jailed for 12 years last week for child sex offences.
Schofield and Willoughby have long described themselves as “best friends” off-camera and have been on holiday together numerous times.
However, the pair have been beset by rumours of unhappiness in recent weeks, with critics pointing to his “awkward” demeanour on air, including tears and exaggerated jollity.
In her own short statement, Willoughby said last weekend: “It’s been over 13 great years presenting This Morning with Phil and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all of his knowledge, his experience and his humour. The sofa won’t feel the same without him.”
ITV said Schofield would be presenting a new prime-time series in the future, but did not give any details.