ITV bosses are scrambling to put together a bumper new deal for Holly Willoughby amid fears she could quit This Morning.
The presenter’s two-year contract expires in December but renewal negotiations have yet to begin.
Sources say telly chiefs are now worried Holly, 42, may walk away from the show’s famous sofa after last year’s Queuegate scandal left her “devastated”.
In September, Holly and her This Morning co-host Phillip Schofield faced a public backlash after they were accused of skipping the lengthy queue to see the Queen lying in state at Westminster Abbey.
TV favourite Holly is said to have been “frustrated” by the way bosses handled the situation – and upset by their decision that she should make the pair’s TV apology on her own.
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.
The feeling was she bore the brunt of criticism over the scandal and that, unsurprisingly, left Holly feeling quite bruised.
“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.”
As well as presenting This Morning, Holly hosts Dancing on Ice with Phillip. She also has a seven-figure deal with Marks & Spencer and her own lifestyle brand called Wylde Moon.
Tonight, a source close to Holly said she had “no plans” to leave This Morning.
An ITV spokesman said: “We don't comment on speculation around artists’ contracts.”
