Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby could be back together sooner than expected in honour of This Morning, following a new announcement from one of the industry's biggest awards ceremonies.
The pair parted ways professionally last week after hosting the ITV show together for 13 years, when it was confirmed that Phillip had left with "immediate effect". The presenters co-hosted on the sofa for the last time on Thursday, putting on brave faces as they played down reports of an apparent "feud" between them.
But Holly and Phil could be reunited in a matter of months, after it was announced that both of them are among 50 names longlisted for the presenter prize at this year's National Television Awards, alongside other This Morning presenters Alison Hammond, Dermot O'Leary and Rylan Clark. This Morning itself has also made the longlist in the daytime category after scooping the award last year, the Manchester Evening News reports.
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The This Morning presenters are up against Ant and Dec in the presenter longlist, who took home the award for the 21st year running at last year's NTAs ceremony. The longlist also recognised stars that we have sadly lost over the past year, including Dame Deborah James and Paul O'Grady.
Viewers can now vote for who they want to make the shortlist on the NTA website, and the results are set to be announced in August when the final round of voting begins. Time will tell whether Holly and Phil end up being reunited at the awards, with the ceremony taking place on September 5.
Phillip's exit from This Morning followed rumours of a "feud" between him and Holly, with reports that the pair's close friendship had "cooled" behind the scenes in recent months. Sources claimed that the rift had led to the co-stars "barely speaking" off-camera, with Holly having reportedly talked to ITV bosses to make it clear that she would want to remain on the show in the event of Phil's departure.
As Alison and Dermot took over This Morning hosting duties, they confirmed that Holly would return to present the show on Monday, June 5, after taking an "extended break" over half-term. They also paid tribute to Phil's tenure on the series, with Alison opening Monday's show by saying: "We couldn't start today's show without paying tribute to the man who spent the last two decades sitting on the This Morning sofa, Phillip Schofield."
Dermot added: "Everyone on and off screen at ITV and This Morning want to say a huge thank you to Phil for what he's done to make the show such a success over the last 21 years."
And Alison concluded: "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."
It followed a statement from Phillip on Saturday informing fans that he had "agreed to step down" from This Morning immediately with Thursday's episode having been his last, adding: "I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love." The presenter also confirmed that he would be back on ITV next month to host the British Soap Awards.
Holly responded to the news of Phil's exit with her own statement on Instagram, writing: "It's been over 13 great years presenting This Morning with Phil and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all of his knowledge, his experience and his humour. The sofa won't feel the same without him."
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