[Scarlett.]

FERN Britton has sensationally QUIT This Morning, The Sun can reveal.

The roly poly favourite will leave this summer on July 17.

She steps down after ten years fronting the ITV datime show, currently with Phillip Schofield.

She said: "After 10 years with This Morning, I have decided to leave the show at the end of the current series. I will present my last show on July 17th, my birthday, which seems somehow appropriate.

"The This Morning team are simply the best and I will miss them all very much but I am looking forward to the freedom of exploring other things I want to do, and also spend more time with my wonderful family.

"So many thank yous to all our viewers who have shown me so much kindness and loyalty."

ITV praised the star, with boss Alison Sharman saying: "We would like to thank her for making the show the success it is today and wish her all the very best for her future projects.

"We will be announcing a new presenter to take Fern's place alongside Phillip Schofield in due course."

Fern has hogged the headlines over the past few months after secretly getting a gastric band fitted while claiming she was losing weight through exercise.

And last month The Sun revealed she is set to be paid a THIRD of what sidekick Phillip makes to front ITV show Mr & Mrs.

Fern is in line to be paid £15,000 a show, while Schofield will get £45,000 when the series returns later this year.