Holly Willoughby and ITV have been left blindsided by Phillip Schofield's emotional statement he released, believing it may have made their situation worse.
Phillip and Holly, who have co-presented This Morning together for years, were always said to be good pals off-screen - but their friendship has "cooled off" in recent times. This led to Phillip issuing a statement in which he revealed that the last few weeks "haven't been easy for either of them" but he was still thankful for Holly's friendship and support.
However, sources say that neither Holly nor ITV were aware that Phillip would release the statement - and that it may have made the entire situation more difficult. An insider told the Mirror: “This Morning’s relationship with its viewers is built on trust, and they have to believe that Holly and Phil’s friendship, and what they’re watching, is real.
"While there was a bit of noise and speculation about their relationship cooling, it could have easily been ignored. But by putting this statement out there, he has turned what was a manageable situation into a feeding frenzy. If viewers now no longer believe in the pair, and make their views clear next week, make no mistake, ITV will act.
"Phil’s position is looking increasingly precarious. Monday is very much D-day, but the same could apply to any day next week. No one is bigger than the brand.” The source said the irony over speculation about Schofield’s relationship with Holly is that while it has changed over the years, the claims about tensions behind the scenes were “massively overblown."
The insider added: "Yes, they aren’t as chummy as before, but any suggestion they were at loggerheads and not talking off-air was false.
"But despite not meaning to, Phil’s public statement has now created this perception, and if that cuts through to the viewers, it’s over."
Holly and Phil's contracts are set to come to an end later this year, with negotiations starting for any potential renewal in the summer.
Another TV insider pointed out: “Put it this way, Phil is not in the middle of a five-year deal. There is a natural cut-off point if viewers no longer believe in them as a duo."
Schofield recently returned to the morning show after taking leave around his brother Timothy’s sex abuse trial at Exeter crown court last month.
The 54-year-old pervert was convicted of 11 sexual offences involving a child between October 2016 and October 2019.
Schofield has been a regular presenter on This Morning since 2002 alongside hosts including Fern Britton and Amanda Holden.
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