Phillip Schofield ‘refuses to quit this morning as pressure mounts amid Holly Willoughby feud’
PHILLIP Schofield has no intention of leaving ‘This Morning’ – which is reportedly leaving show bosses unsure how to act.
The longtime presenter’s role on the show comes under increasing pressure as his off-air feud with Holly Willoughby continues.
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But acc the postunder fire Phillip, 61, is not about to give up a position he has held for over 20 years.
A source said: “Phil sees no reason why he should go. It’s his job, he’s run the show for more than 20 years.”
Bosses are said to be keen on keeping 42-year-old Holly in the program and fear her inability to work with Phil could jeopardize that.
Embarrassingly, the feuding duo were mentioned in Parliament today when Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden checked them by name as he chaired Prime Minister’s Question Time in Rishi Sunak’s absence.
Dowden has dubbed Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer and his deputy Angela Rayner “the Phil and Holly of British politics” and described them as “on the surface they’re all lovesick, they turn on the cameras, but once they’re off, it is another story. They’re at each other’s throats.”
A source told the Mail: “Those up there know they have to act – they just don’t know what to do.”
Yesterday we revealed Phillip is facing the ax of This Morning amid a ‘seismic’ summer tremor.
Insiders say many believe time has finally come to an end for Phil, who has hosted the ITV juggernaut since 2002.
This Morning boss Martin Frizell could also have his turn, according to staff – as ITV top bosses seek a major overhaul of the embattled series.
However. Those who work on the daytime show say they understand popular co-host Holly’s job is secure.
A source said: “This Morning is gearing up for some seismic shifts this summer – and Phil is the first big name on the agenda when his contract expires this summer.”
“It is highly unlikely that he will come back in September.
“Plans are being finalized this morning for a new look and at the moment Phil is not in it. He has worked on the show for over two decades. Many say it’s time for fresh blood.”
It comes after The Sun revealed that Phil and Holly – who sparked controversy when they waited in line to see the Queen in state last September – barely speak to each other behind the camera.
This morning, insiders revealed how Frizell, who has been in charge since 2016, could be close behind Phil.
The source added, “There’s talk behind the scenes that Martin was also stabbed as a scapegoat – which could save some of the network’s even more senior executives if things move forward.”
“He has long piloted the ship, but his handling of ‘Queuegate’ and now the argument between Holly and Phil was viewed by some as disastrous and many young staffers struggled with his old-fashioned way of working.”
“The upheaval will be top-down and no one, regardless of status, is greater than the show.”
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