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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Laura Armstrong & Ryan Paton

ITV battle to keep Holly Willoughby amid fears over This Morning future

ITV bosses are reportedly concerned as they prepare to renew Holly Willoughby's contract.

The 42-year-old is one of the channel's most prominent presenters and is the face of its flagship daytime programme, This Morning. According to Mirror Online, Holly's two-year contract expires in December and renewal negotiations have yet to begin.

Holly has faced a difficult 12 months after she and Phillip Schofield were accused of skipping the queue to see Queen Elizabeth II lying in state at Westminster Abbey. This Morning issued a statement to insist the hosts were there in a "professional capacity" and Holly later said they would never take anyone's place in the queue.

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However, sources told Mirror Online that ITV bosses are worried Holly may walk away from the show’s famous sofa after the Queuegate scandal. 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.

"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." However, a source close to Holly has told Mirror Online that she has “no plans” to leave This Morning.

An ITV spokesman added: “We don't comment on speculation around artists’ contracts.”

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