Phillip Schofield could present his final This Morning show in just a few weeks if ITV bosses don't renew his contract.
Rumours of a feud between Phil and co-presenter Holly Willoughby have spiralled in recent months after sources claimed the once close duo are 'barely speaking' off camera. The 61-year-old seemed to play down the allegations in a recent statement to The Sun, saying: "The last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us. As I have said before, Holly is my rock.
"We’re the best of friends – as always, she is an incredible support on screen, behind the scenes and on the phone. Holly has always been there for me, through thick and thin. And I’ve been there for her."
Sources claimed that neither Holly nor ITV were aware that he was planning to issue the statement, the Mirror reports.
"Phil’s contract is up for renewal at the end of this year and as it stands, there are a number of people working on the show who think it’s time for a shake-up," the source alleged.
Insiders say show bosses are already considering replacements for Phillip if his contract is not renewed, adding that his last day with the morning programme could be in just a matter of weeks. Phil and Holly usually take the summer off to enjoy time with their families, especially Holly who is mum to three young children.
In the past, the pair have holidayed together, however another source claims that they have both reportedly cancelled their annual vacation this year. Due to their set summer holidays, if Phil's contract isn't renewed for another season, he could host his final show in July.
Another source added that Phil's statement was "desperate stuff" given the current state of their relationship. It comes after sources claimed Holly could potentially front This Morning as a solo presenter, should Phillip leave the show.
Sources also said that their tense relationship is palpable in the TV studio and is completely different to how they appear on screen. The pair have fronted shows including Dancing On Ice and This Morning together for several years and outside of work have maintained a close friendship.
However, in recent months, sources have suggested that the best friends are not "as close as they once were". Despite the claims, they appeared alongside one another during last week’s instalments of This Morning and put on a united front in a bid to silence any claims.
Mirror has reached out to Phillip Schofield's representatives for comment.
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