Sources allege that Holly Willoughby had a hand in Philip Schofield ‘s dismissal from ITV’s This Morning, as she no longer wanted to work alongside him.
Tensions between the once inseparable pair reached a breaking point after Mr Schofield’s brother, Tim Schofield, was convicted for sexual offences involving a child.
The internet already felt that the pair were showing signs of growing apart in recent months, with their relationship under strain after last year’s ‘queuegate’.
READ MORE: Five signs of tension between Holly and Phil in final week as he quits This Morning
The viral blunder saw Holly and Phil slammed for insensitively skipping the 8 hour-long queue to see the deceased Queen lying in state.
Sources say that despite their close nature, Schofield did not tell Willoughby about his brother’s monstrous behaviour, causing an irreversible rift.
One source said, “It was basically an ultimatum, Holly won the war.
“We say what Holly wants, Holly gets and never was a truer word spoken.”
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
The decision to axe Schofield from the breakfast TV show was made late on Friday after days of crisis meetings between Schofield and the most senior members of ITV.
The announcement was avoided until yesterday, to allow Schofield to flee his West London home in the hope of escaping the media.
The ‘broken man’ apparently took ‘much persuasion’ to agree to terminate his contract, making last Thursday his final appearance on This Morning.
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
After 21 years of hosting the programme, Schofield finally issued a statement at 3pm yesterday.
The Lancashire-born presenter explained that he would be leaving the show, alluding to the feud with his former co-host through omission.
Phil wrote, “I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning.
“But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.
(Image: ITV)
“Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind.
“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.
(Image: ITV)
“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers.’
Curiously, no mention was made of Holly, despite her own brief statement making reference to the fallen-from-grace axed presenter.
Holly posted: “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.”
(Image: Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)
Martin Frizell, This Morning’s long-term editor has also offered his support for Holly
Rumours suggest Frizell will pair the TV host with national treasure Alison Hammond, after ITV announced Willoughby would “co-present with members of the This Morning family”.
This will come as a relief for “quietly shrewd” Holly, who reportedly told ITV she could no longer share a sofa with the man that mentored her for 14 years.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
