The truth behind Eamonn Holmes' and Philip Schofield's feud has emerged after claims the pair have a 'tricky' relationship.
It was believed the presenters were pals with Eamonn having comforted Phil, 61, when he came out as gay.
However, recent comments have made it look like all was not as it seemed between the pair.
Sources alleged to the Mirror that their relationship has always been "tricky".
The men started working together on This Morning in 2006 when Eamonn joined the programme, four years after Phillip started the job in 2002
To viewers it seemed the pair were close as their paths often crossed during their presenting duties.
Since his sacking, Eamonn has taken to social media to bash Phillip. Today he declared that if his old rival is "looking for a fight" he has "picked on the wrong person".
His fury was sparked by Phillip's statement just hours prior, insisting that there was no "toxicity" on the This Morning set and that it is the "same handful of people with a grudge" slamming him and the show.
Speaking to the Mirror, a source said: "The relationship with Eamonn and Phillip has always been a tricky one.
"Eamonn was always really the bigger broadcaster, had great skills and was very sociable – Phillip got in This Morning off the back of John Leslie's downfall.
"Eamonn had been a well-renowned broadcaster with an OBE."
The insider continued: "They're two very different characters, Eamonn who knows everyone's name from the tea lady upwards, remembers everyone.
"We have Phillip who didn't know anyone's name and would only talk to people if they were helpful to him or gave him a step up the ladder.
"Eamonn was never given a break, Phillip was the guy that could do 'no wrong', he had so much power, he had investment, many of the stars and acts were from Phillip's old agency, YMU.
"Phillip had a very different relationship with the whole crew than Eamonn, they were never friends, and neither of them particularly liked each other."
The mole added: "Be nice to people who you meet on the way up because you might need them on the way down – that's what's happened with Phillip.
"That's why no one has come out in support, co-presenters or people who have worked on the show. Eamonn is well loved and would be welcomed back."
Eamonn branded Phillip "delusional" after the latter took to social media to issue a statement, claiming that This Morning was far from toxic, despite several claims.
In a post on Twitter, Eamonn wrote: "Schofield has just put out a delusional statement.
"Like Holly, he puts it on Insta Stories so if it goes wrong there is no record after 24 hrs. I'm reluctant to give the liar any more publicity but believe me Pip if u r looking for a fight, u have picked on the wrong person!"
Ahead of This Morning airing, Phillip shared a post which read: "Now I no longer work on @thismorning I am free to say this. I hope you have noticed that it’s the same handful of people with a grudge against me or the show who seem to have the loudest voice.
"This Morning IS the best show to work on, with the best people. In all the years I worked there there was no toxicity. You can listen to those persistently loud voices if you like.
"But the thousands of guests over the years, thousands of staff and crew, hundreds of presenters and contributors all know, it IS a family of wonderful, talented, kind and hardworking people."
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