Holly Willoughby threatened to quit This Morning if Phillip Schofield wasn't given the boot, according to reports.
The father-of-two, 61, stepped down from the show yesterday, telling his followers he would do anything to 'protect the programme' he's fronted for more than 20 years.
Phil didn't mention Holly - who he's worked with since 2009 - even though she said the 'sofa wouldn't feel the same without him'.
However, behind the scenes, the mum-of-three, 42, is said to have issued ITV with an ultimatum regarding her future with the broadcaster.
A 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," reports the Daily Star.
However, an ITV Spokesperson told the Mirror: "Phillip Schofield’s decision to step down from This Morning was (as his statement made clear) a decision agreed between Phillip and ITV."
Phillip was axed from This Morning after a tense showdown with bosses in a trade-off which protects his other ITV roles, according to reports.
The presenter, who started his career in the BBC Broom Cupboard with puppet Gordon the gopher, faced intense scrutiny after his reported feud with Holly was made public.
Insiders revealed Phil's fate was unanimously decided in meetings at ITV Daytime on Friday promoting his statement on Saturday, which read: " “I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently This Morning itself has become the story. 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 I love. So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope the show can move forward to a bright future. I’d like to thank everyone who supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month.”
In response, Holly said: " “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.”
Holly added a heart to her statement, but sources say she is secretly relieved the drama is over.
With her contract with Marks & Spencer, Wylde Moon wellness venture as well as legions of loyal fans, the wife of TV producer Dan Baldwin is big business.
The Mirror has reached out to Holly's reps for comment.
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