ITV bosses are reported to have held a 'crisis talk' after Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield's appearance on This Morning yesterday.
The former TV besties reunited on screen amid reports of a 'feud' between the pair, as it was claimed their friendship has 'cooled' following a series of issues in recent months from backlash over queue-gate and Holly's alleged upset that she was unaware of Phillip's brother's trial ahead of time.
Phillip, 61, later released a statement where he said the last few weeks "haven't been easy for either of us" but praised Holly's "support".
Meanwhile, 42-year-old Holly remained silent and is said to have felt "blindsided" by Philip's bombshell statement.
Despite reported growing tensions between the pair, Holly and Phil attempted to put on a united front as they co-hosted This Morning yesterday.
But viewers pointed out the "awkwardness" between the pair. One remarked: "Holly and Phil are giving the same vibes as when your Mum and Dad have a blazing row before a family party then try to act normal once they arrive #ThisMorning".
Another added: "It’s actually so awkward watching Phil and Holly put on a united front. Holly’s doing well but Phil looks so on edge. Glazing over a weekend of dire headlines for ITV is not working. Time to go Philip. #ThisMorning"
"You can cut the tension between Phil & Holly with a knife today! #ThisMorning," a third remarked.
The comments on social media are said to have sparked 'crisis talks' amongst the ITV bosses and This Morning hosts.
A source has told the Daily Mail: "Social media is used as a barometer to see what the public think. Those in charge were left no under no illusion that it was a total disaster.
"It was painful for the This Morning team to work on and it was just as painful for them to watch.
"There was a meeting afterwards to discuss how it went that went on for some time. To be honest, everyone was just so relieved to get it over with, but even if the show does continue to go on for some time, it will continue to be a massive headache."
Even celebrities have appeared to have weighed-in on the apparent fall-out including Eamonn Holmes, who said the pair should get a 'special award' for being 'best actors'.
He told GB News viewers: "The public will surely suss that there’s no chemistry, that it’s a broken fit between the two of them. This Morning does not depend on who presents it."
Meanwhile Fern Britton appeared to make a loaded comment aimed at the reported feud as she revealed she had a "catch-up" with 63-year-old Eamonn, who fell out with Phillip years ago.
She tweeted on Monday evening: "Unexpected calls from old mates are so lovely.
"Just had the loveliest catch up with @EamonnHolmes.
"I think we have known each other since the 80’s when we were babies [crying laughing emoji]. Shooting the breeze [three red love heart emojis]."
Many fans were left wondering if Phillip Schofield came up as the old friends caught up as one asked: "Did you have a nice chat? Bet you’re both cackling over Phillip."
"Mmmm wonder what hot topic of conversation you giggled and snorted about," another speculated.
"Did you discuss things like Karma and how truth always finds a way out? I love deep and meaningful convos like that!," a third wrote.
The Mirror has reached out to ITV and Holly and Phil's reps for comment.
