This Morning should be 'left to die with dignity' following the furore surrounding Phillip Schofield, according to This Morning's creator.
The future of the ITV show is uncertain after the father-of-two, 61, admitted to having an affair with a younger man, who worked on the programme.
This Morning is back on air today following the fall out, but many have called for it to be axed - including its former editor.
Dianne Nelmes, who launched the show 36 years ago, thinks the award-winning programme should be phased out, adding she thinks current host Holly Willoughby, 42, needs to leave now.
"The situation is very sad," she said. "Whatever has gone on, Phillip has been a stalwart presenter of the show.
"I don’t think that Holly can hold this show on her own, not even with Alison Hammond which is said to be the favoured outcome. I don’t think Holly can handle it. Phil will be missed.
"I also think that they need to get Holly out because as long as she is on the show then it will be on the front pages and she will be the story, and that just allows the damage to continue," reports the Mail.
Dianne went on to suggest ITV waits until the summer to have a "complete clear out of everyone" before putting the show in a "safe pair of hands" and then 'devising something new from September next year'.
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Following weeks of speculation, Phillip shocked This Morning fans on Friday when he admitted: "I did have a consensual on-off relationship with a younger male colleague at This Morning.
"Contrary to speculation, whilst I met the man when he was a teenager and was asked to help him to get into television, it was only after he started to work on the show that it became more than just a friendship. That relationship was unwise, but not illegal. It is now over."
Following his admission, many on social media were asking if his former co-host Holly knew.
However, she released a statement on Instagram, saying: "“It has taken some 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."
Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, a source said the Wylde Moon guru has no intentions of quitting This Morning, and hopes to 'ride out the scandal'.
They said: “Holly is determined to stay put - the only reason she would leave now is if This Morning is axed. She has absolutely no plans to leave.”
The Mirror has contacted ITV and Holly's rep for comment on this story.
