‘It’s a broken fit between the two of them’
Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield are reportedly at war with each other, but now a former co-star has added fuel to the fire.
The co-presenters relationship is said to be in tatters, with suggestions Holly has even asked her team to work on a new deal with ITV in the hopes of pushing the network to make a decision about Phillip’s future and This Morning’s future line-up.
Eamonn Holmes has branded the pair “actors” and suggested they should have been recognised at Sunday’s BAFTA TV Awards.
Holly and Phillip’s relationship started coming unstuck when they were accused of skipping the queue when Queen Elizabeth was laying in state. Then Phillip reportedly didn’t tell Holly he was taking time off when his brother was on trial for child sex charges, or let her know he was going to make a statement about their working relationship.
The 61-year-old recently explained that things had “not been easy” between him and 42-year-old Holly.
All eyes were on the pair Monday when they both returned to the show amid speculation that Phillip might not appear.
Speaking to GB News, Holmes said: “I think there should have been a special award for Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby for best actors.”
Holmes continued: “They may or may not be together on the telly today (Monday). The public surely will suss that there’s no chemistry, that it’s a broken fit between the two of them and that This Morning does not depend on who presents it.
“It’s an institution, it will carry on no matter who presents it and anyone can check the viewing figures, there’s no difference between whether they present it or anyone else.”
Eamonn previously co-hosted the lunchtime show alongside his wife Ruth Langsford until the pair were reportedly “dropped” in favour of Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary.
Despite the controversies, Phillip is said to want to “tough it out”, the Mirror reported, and stick with the show.
The outlet quoted a source as saying: “To be honest, it’s out of his hands, if the viewers don’t believe in him and Holly, something’s got to give – and that will most likely be Phil, it’s a massive week for them both.”
Holly and Phillip’s contracts are reportedly up for renewal in September.
Reports suggest Holly, who has been on the show since 2009, is willing to front the show without her co-star who has been presenting it since 2002.
Related links:
- Holly Willoughby wants ‘Phil gone’ amid claims pair might not appear on Monday’s show
- Philip Schofield ‘fears he will be fired from This Morning’
- Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield ‘barely talking’ as friendship ‘cools’
- Awkward moment show is halted until host pronounces guest’s name correctly
- Phillip Schofield breaks silence as he makes This Morning return following brother’s trial
