ITV bosses may axe Phillip Schofield if they feel his on-screen chemistry with Holly Willoughby has been damaged, according to reports. The star went public on the apparent rift with his co-host in a statement that sources claim neither she nor the station knew about.
The 61-year-old described Holly, 42, as his “rock” after he came out as gay but admitted that in recent weeks “haven’t been easy for either of us”.
Insiders claim ITV and Holly believe that statement has made the situation worse, The Mirror reports. One added: “This Morning’s relationship with its viewers is built on trust, and they have to believe that Holly and Phil’s friendship, and what they’re watching, is real.
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“While there was a bit of noise and speculation about their relationship cooling, it could have easily been ignored.
“But by putting this statement out there, he has turned what was a manageable situation into a feeding frenzy. If viewers now no longer believe in the pair, and make their views clear next week, make no mistake, ITV will act.
“Phil’s position is looking increasingly precarious. Monday is very much D-day, but the same could apply to any day next week. No one is bigger than the brand.”
The source said the irony over speculation about Schofield’s relationship with Holly is that while it has changed over the years, the claims about tensions behind the scenes were “massively overblown”.
The insider added: “Yes, they aren’t as chummy as before, but any suggestion they were at loggerheads and not talking off-air was false.
“But despite not meaning to, Phil’s public statement has now created this perception, and if that cuts through to the viewers, it’s over.”
His and Holly’s contracts are up at the end of the year, with negotiations set to start on any potential renewal in the summer.
Another TV insider pointed out: “Put it this way, Phil is not in the middle of a five-year deal. There is a natural cut off point if viewers no longer believe in them as a duo.”
Schofield has been a regular presenter on This Morning since 2002 alongside hosts including Fern Britton and Amanda Holden.
Last year, he and Holly faced criticism over claims they skipped the massive queue for the late Queen’s lying in state after her death in September.
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