At the weekend, it was announced that Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield would no longer present This Morning together as Phil revealed he was stepping back from the show.
For weeks rumours of a feud between the pair have been circulating but according to reports, the pair haven't been on the best terms for three years.
Three years ago, 42-year-old Holly went to war with her and Phil’s agents YMU Group and she decided to leave and start her own agency, Roxy Management.
And after she left the agency, things got messy as the mum-of-three found herself embroiled in a legal battle over their claim for 15 per cent of her future earnings, as reports Birmingham Live.
An insider said: "Holly quietly started to distance herself from Phil back in 2020.
“She created her own female-led agency for a reason — and that was to champion women. The legal issues rumbled on for 18 months but Holly fought for what was right. Ultimately, Phil chose to stay and Holly chose to leave, it wasn’t easy at the time.”
“It was widely known in the industry that Phil was annoyed Holly was offered the jungle," the source added. “It was a massive break for her and she more than proved her mettle. Phil was naturally jealous it wasn’t him.”
Phil publicly admitted "the last few weeks haven't been easy for either" in a statement, which neither Holly or ITV reportedly knew anything about. He shared: "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 really been there for me through thick and thin. And I’ve been there for her. The last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us."
However, in a statement from the weekend Phil revealed that he has left the show with immediate effect.
He said: "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."
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