Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield returned to host This Morning again today as pressure mounts on the pair's friendship.
In a bombshell statement earlier this week, Phil responded to claims the pair's friendship had 'cooled'. Sources had claimed the pair had become "separate entities" in the recent weeks, but Phil insisted Holly had always supported her.
As the show kicked off today, Holly and Phil failed to mention their feud as they introduced what was to come on the show including segments with Martin Lewis and Coronation Street star Ellie Leach, who will depart her role of Faye Windass next week.
In a statement, he said: "The last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us. As I have said before, Holly is my rock. We’re the best of friends - as always, she is an incredible support on screen, behind the scenes and on the phone.
"Holly has always been there for me, through thick and thin. And I’ve been there for her."
Sources had previously revealed to The Mirror that both Holly and ITV felt it had only made things worse by issuing such a statement.
The insider said: "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. 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."
It is believed that Holly has been considering her position on the show for months.
"Holly was considering her position on the show earlier this year, as she couldn’t see Phil being ousted. But that is now a real possibility and she wants to see a decision made on both of their futures quickly," the insider explained.
"That is what is behind Holly asking her team to reach out to ITV – she is trying to move things forward. There has been no bloodbath meeting yet, but that could well be to come. The sooner it happens, the sooner she can rebrand herself."
