Britton dismisses presenter rift

Britton and Schofield have worked together for seven years

TV presenter Fern Britton has denied newspaper claims she is leaving ITV's This Morning because of a rift with co-host Phillip Schofield.

Speaking on the show, she said she realised that "people like to speculate, rather hurtfully", as to why she was leaving the programme.

"But the reason is that 10 years is a long time on any show and I'm ready for a change," she said.

She added working with Schofield had been "magical" and "the best fun".

Referring to her husband, chef Phil Vickery, Britton said: "I also have another Phil in my life too and I want to slow down a little bit and enjoy our life together."

The star will present her last show on 17 July and said she next planned to "build a vegetable plot in the autumn".

WHO WILL REPLACE FERN? Ruth Langsford - 1/1 Fiona Phillips - 4/1 Holly Willoughby - 16/1 Gordon the Gopher -100/1 Kerry Katona - 125/1 Source: William Hill

In dismissing newspaper claims she was quitting the show because she was unhappy at being paid less and having a lower profile than Schofield, she appeared to mouth an obscenity, which she said was "for our deaf viewers".

She said once she leaves the show she would become a This Morning viewer, "cheering on whoever is the lucky person is that will work with Philip because he is, after all, simply the best."

Schofield added: "Nobody will miss you more - but we still have four months left to wreak havoc on the airwaves."

The pair have presented the show together for the past seven years.

ITV said Britton's replacement would be announced in "due course".