Following Phillip Schofield 's decision to 'step down' from This Morning after 21 years, the presenter was given a very brief farewell by ITV during Monday's installment of the morning programme.
Phillip, 61, who has fronted the iconic show since 2002, announced on Instagram on Saturday afternoon that he would not be returning to the show which made him a household name amid growing rumours that he and co-host of 13-years, Holly Willoughby, were no longer on speaking terms after their friendship became strained in recent months.
After dropping his announcement, where Phillip said that he felt he had 'become a story', This Morning hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary addressed the drama as they welcomed viewers to the show on Monday.
Alison and Dermot were confirmed as this week's presenters, while it has been confirmed that Holly will take an early break over the school holidays.
Appearing on the show following the drama, Alison and Dermot paid tribute to Phillip, but eagle-eyed This Morning fans immediately flocked to Twitter to accuse the pair of appearing 'insincere' when speaking of the fallen presenter.
And now, a TV insider has claimed that ITV bosses chose not to grant Phillip with an emotional montage of memories and a final episode on the show amid fears the Monday morning show could be sabotaged by a regular This Morning guest or an A-list contributor.
The telly insider claimed that 'at least four household name stars had plotted to ambush the presenter live on air' about a series of allegations about his behaviour, without the knowledge of show producers.
A source told The Sun: "The growing paranoia about what could go wrong was engulfing the management. They got through four days without any major disasters, even though it was obvious Holly and Phil's friendship was over.
"But if Holly had been put in the position of having to try and defend him from an attack on his reputation during the show by a regular or celebrity guest, it would have been an impossible position for her.
"Everyone decided it would be irresponsible to put Phillip back on air, even for him to wish a final farewell to viewers. But that's an extraordinary thing to do to a host after 20 years on air."
Despite his long tenure on the show, Alison and Dermot began the show on Monday with just a brief mention of Phillip's exit.
Kicking off the programme, Alison said: "Now we can't start today's show without paying tribute to the man who has spent the last two decades sitting on this sofa; Phillip Schofield."
"Everyone on and off the screen at ITV and This Morning want to say a huge thank you to Phil for what he's done to make this show a success over the last 21 years," Dermot continued.
Alison added: "Quite simply we all know he's one of the best live television broadcasters this country has ever had and we, and all the team, wish him all the best for the future."
Explaining Holly's absence, Dermot said: "Holly is taking a break over half term, she'll be back in the studio in two weeks."
