Phillip Schofield is reportedly refusing to bow down to growing pressure and quit This Morning, amid reports of a 'feud' with his co-host Holly Willoughby.
Phillip, 61, has been hosting the ITV daytime show since 2002 and fronted the programme alongside Holly, 42, since 2009.
However, the past week has seen claims that Holly has "cut ties" with her former TV bestie following a string of bumps in the road in recent months. The pair faced furious backlash over false claims they jumped the queue to see the Queen lying in state in September and, last month, Phillip took time away from the programme amid his brother Timothy Schofield's sex abuse trial.
Phil is reported to have kept Holly in the dark about his brother's trial.
The 61-year-old later shared a statement on his friendship with Holly as he said things haven't "been easy" but praised Holly as his "rock". The statement is said to have "blind-sided" and "deeply upset his fellow Dancing on Ice host as feud speculation continued to grow.
As speculation over the former close pal's friendship grew, reports that Phil could be axed from This Morning began to emerge as a source told the Mirror ITV will axe Phillip if his chemistry with Holly has dwindled.
Phil later planned to "tough out" the growing speculation over his job and friendship. And it's now been reported he is refusing to throw in the towel at This Morning.
A source told The Sun: "Phil doesn't see why he should go. It's his job, he has steered the show for more than 20 years."
Meanwhile, it was claimed ITV bosses are desperate to keep Holly on the show and fear Phil's refusal to quit could impact that.
It comes amid reports that Phillip may not be the only one facing the axe from the daytime programme.
A source told The Sun: "This Morning is preparing for some seismic changes this summer — and Phil is lined up as the first major name for the chop when his contract expires this summer.
"It’s highly unlikely he’ll be back in September."
Meanwhile, the insider added how the show are planning for a "new look This Morning" and many "feel it is time for some fresh blood" on the show.
This Morning boss Martin Frizell, who has been in charge since 2016, is also reportedly facing the end of his time on the show.
Despite ongoing speculation around their friendship, Holly and Phil have continued to front This Morning this week.
And fans are divided over if cracks are showing on screen as one said: "Just watching This Morning and Holly and Phil are getting on fine, laughing and joking. It’s a good ambience".
Another quipped: "Also coming up on Thursday's #ThisMorning with Phillip and Holly:
"Holly and Phil deliver awkward fake smiles whilst pretending to be friends
"The show ignoring the whole situation
"The biggest Elephant in the room ever seen on daytime tv".
And another suggested: "I actually like Holly and Phil like this, not getting into fake laughing fits and being more professional. Phil also isn't getting grumpy about things, clearly trying to come across well. It's cheerful, calm and smart. More offscreen feuds if this is what we get!"
