This Morning viewers are growing increasingly worried about Holly Willoughby, 42, after she missed yet another day presenting the show.
And now fans are predicting the mum-of-three will quit the long-running daytime show after also missing her partner-in-crime Phillip Schofield's return after his own lengthy absence.
Earlier this week Rochelle Humes, 34, was brought in to help out at the last minute to cover for Holly after she revealed she had shingles and would be out of action for at least a week.
Sharing a post on Instagram with her 8.2 million followers, Holly wrote: “Hi... Just to let you know I may be away for the rest of the week as I have shingles... I'll be back as soon as I'm better.”
Rochelle and Phillip, 61, also told viewers: "Holly isn’t well today so sadly off, and perhaps a few more days with a bout of shingles. Ouch. If you are watching at home Holly then get well soon, the whole team sends their love."
However, some fans are convinced the fact that she missed Phil's return to This Morning is a telltale sign there’s something going on behind the scenes.
Monday was Phillip’s first day back on the sofa after a hiatus following the news his paedophile brother Timothy, a former school teacher, was convicted of 11 sexual offences against a boy.
As Thursday’s instalment of the show rolled around, fans were again disappointed to see Holly was missing.
Taking to Twitter many began to question if Holly would ever return, admitting they couldn't see the duo co-hosting for much longer.
One viewer wrote: “Call me cynical but I think we have seen the last of the Phil and Holly duo.”
“Something is not right there, bet she's just trying to stay away from Smugfield and gaining her brownie points with #ThisMorning viewers?,” added another fan.
While someone else penned: “I don’t think it’ll be ‘Phil and Holly’ on This Morning much longer.”
Rumours of discord have been rife ever since Holly was reportedly left “devastated” over last year’s Queuegate scandal.
In September, following Queen Elizabeth II’s death, Holly and Phillip faced a public backlash after they were accused of skipping the lengthy queue to see the royal lying in state at Westminster Abbey.
TV favourite Holly is said to have been “frustrated” by the way bosses handled the situation – and upset by their decision that she should make the pair’s TV apology on her own.
A source said: “The Queuegate backlash was absolutely devastating for Holly, but what made matters worse was the feeling it was mishandled.
“ ITV ’s decision to remain silent before finally issuing a statement was frustrating, as it felt like they were shutting the door after the horse had bolted.
“Then, to add insult to injury, Holly was left to explain the pair’s decision by herself, while Phil remained silent.
The feeling was she bore the brunt of criticism over the scandal and that, unsurprisingly, left Holly feeling quite bruised.
“Bosses know last year was incredibly hard for her and as such, they are not approaching her contract negotiations with the same confidence as they have previously.”
As well as presenting This Morning, Holly hosts Dancing on Ice with Phillip. She also has a seven-figure deal with Marks & Spencer and her own lifestyle brand called Wylde Moon.
Mirror Online has approached ITV for comment.
