A former ITV boss has shared his thoughts on Holly Willoughby's future at This Morning after Phillip Schofield's bombshell admission of an affair with a young male colleague.
The news has sent shockwaves through the industry, with many people calling for Holly, 42, to also step down from hosting the show following the 61-year-olds abrupt exit just before the news came to light of his "unwise but not illegal" relationship.
Many ITV viewers have speculated that Phil's co-star, who he had a very close friendship with until recently, had known more details of what was going on despite her announcing she was lied about the relationship when she questioned her former colleague.
And now Ian McCulloch, former commercial director at ITV, described Holly as 'damaged goods' and reckons there is more to emerge.
Speaking to GB News, he said: "I do absolutely agree that none of the on-screen talent, well, those two, they cannot be associated with the show. She's damaged goods. They need a fresh start. I’m not sure that the talent that they've got, sort of running through at the minute, is the right talent. But I think the show is a good show, but you certainly can't have those two.
"There is so much more to come out in this story. And I don't think her statements are particularly plausible, though it looks as though she's clinging on. I think they need to make a clean break and just move the show on."
He added: "I think from the public's point of view, this almost looks like an episode of Love Island. You put a bunch of egomaniacs together and see what's going to explode, and over time this has exploded."
Meanwhile, sources say a "defiant" Holly is keen to return to This Morning on Monday, June 5 following the half-term break.
An insider told The Sun: "She has made it clear she was one of the people Phil lied to and she has nothing to hide. She will return to This Morning as planned on Monday and carry on like the professional she is.
"Holly has been affected by Phil's actions and it has been very difficult. She is devoted to This Morning however and will continue to do the best job she can for them."
Following Phil's admission, Holly broke her silence to say: "It’s taken time to process yesterday's news. When reports of this relationship first surfaced, I asked Phil directly if this was true and was told it was not. It's been very hurtful to now find out that this was a lie."
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