Several hosts have reportedly threatened to quit This Morning as the fallout from Phillip Schofield’s shocking affair revelation continues.
ITV bosses are said to be considering axing the long-running programme because they fear that the brand has been damaged beyond repair by recent events.
Producers fear that several star names could look to distance themselves from the now toxic brand, with one high-profile regular reportedly drafting a resignation letter.
READ MORE: Phillip Schofield sensationally exits ITV and British Soap Awards after affair exposed
Earlier this week Schofield resigned from ITV after confessing to having an affair with a younger ex-colleague.
The 61-year-old, who announced his departure from This Morning last week, was due to present the British Soap Awards on June 3 but has stepped down with immediate effect following news of the affair.
(Image: REX)
The affair came to light on Friday, with Phil admitting to having a “consensual on-off relationship” with a runner at ITV who was a teenager when they met.
The affair, which Phil described as “unwise but not illegal”, took place after he married Stephanie Lowe, 59, in 1993.
The former Dancing on Ice presenter issued a public apology regarding their relationship and said he had “not been truthful” about it in the past because he wanted to “protect” his ex-colleague.
The presenter, who worked for ITV for more than two decades, has also been dropped by his agents at YMU Group after he went against their core values of “honesty and integrity”.
The Sun on Sunday reports that one household name has now drafted a resignation statement in the wake of Schofield’s admission that he lied about an affair with a much younger male employee.
Former colleagues are said to have been left reeling by recent developments, with Holly Willoughby describing her former co-host’s deception as “very hurtful”.
ITV defended its handling of the affair, saying that it investigated rumours of the relationship three years ago only for both parties to deny it.
A source told The Sun on Sunday: “The future of the show is hanging by a thread and the presenting talent are unsure of their next move – they’re deciding whether to leap from a sinking ship.
(Image: getty)
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“The whole This Morning senior team is in complete damage-limitation mode worrying about the presenters who might walk away.
“Phillip no doubt thinks he has tried to do the right thing but the overwhelming feeling on set is that procedures need to be put in place to ensure the same mistakes never happen again.
“Some presenters feel the saga has left too much toxicity around the show, it can’t survive and they’re considering their future.”
Some presenters are thought to be concerned that negative press surrounding the show could threaten their own advertising deals and brands.
The Sun on Sunday also reported that regular contributor Dr Ranj complained of bullying when he left last year, although who he accused has not been disclosed.
A spokeswoman said: “Following a complaint made by Dr Ranj, we appointed someone to carry out an external review and the review found no evidence to support the complaint of bullying.”
Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary are set to host Monday’s programme.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
