Phillip Schofield's next presenting gig following his shock departure from This Morning could spark immense backlash.
The fallen This Morning host, 61, posted a brief statement on Instagram at the weekend announcing he was leaving This Morning after months of speculation about a feud between him and Holly, 42, who he has co-hosted the ITV show alongside for 13 years.
In his statement, Phillip thanked his loyal This Morning fans for their support during his reign - which spanned 21 years - on the iTV show.
However, the ITV host pointed out it won't be the last we'll see of him as he is due to host the British Soap Awards next Saturday.
Announcing that his time on This Morning is up, Phillip penned in his brief statement: "I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.
"Throughout my career in TV - including the very difficult last few days - I have always done my best to be honourable and kind.
"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.
"So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future.
"I'd like to thank everyone who has supported me - especially This Morning's amazing viewers - and I'll see you all for the Soap Awards next month."
Given the velocity of Phillip's departure from This Morning, and the animosity from his former co-stars including Holly Willoughby, Alison Hammond, and Dermot O'Leary - who each shared very brief and unemotional tributes to the star - there are fears that Phil's appearance at the British Soap Awards could get messy.
The annual ceremony, which is set to take place at The Lowry in Salford this year, could spark further chaos as Holly remains silent amid rumours of a bitter feud between her and Phil - who has fronted the ceremony since 2009.
Speaking to Mail Online about the concern, an insider said: "It's a big Saturday night event with celebrities and a paying public audience in the theatre. It's happening very soon. What if viewers side with Holly and Phil gets jeered?
"It's a high-risk return for Phil and his presence could overshadow the event.
"He agreed a deal to step back from This Morning is if he kept his other contracted roles as well as the promise of a solo ITV prime-time show," they added.
There could be further drama in store for former best friends Holly and Phillip after it was announced today that the pair are set to face off at the National Television Awards - after they were both recognised in the best TV presenter longlist.
Holly and Phillip are joined in the category by NTA powerhouses Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, who took home the award for the 21st year in a row during last year’s ceremony.
Phillip's shock exit from This Morning follows a breakdown of his friendship with Holly, which is said to have begun three years ago and deteriorated when the presenter's brother Timothy Schofield stood trial for sexual offences against a teenage boy and was subsequently sentenced to 12 years in prison.
The Mirror has reached out to an ITV spokesperson for comment as well as Phillip's representatives.
