Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby are undoubtedly the king and queen of morning TV, but it seems there could be trouble at the palace. Raging rumours about tensions between the pair hotted up last week, and reports of Phil creating a “toxic” work environment for his other (current and former) co-hosts has apparently led Holly to start considering her options.
“Holly’s had enough of being in the middle of it all, and may decide to quit This Morning in 2020 because she’s tired of all the stories, even though Phil remains one of her best friends,” an insider close to the presenter tells heat.
“She has worked incredibly hard building up her image and brand as a family-friendly favourite, but now that things are getting ugly in her workplace environment, it has caused Holly to worry.”
Previous co-stars of Phil, 57, have also made their feelings clear. Last year, he engaged in a petty spat with his former co-worker Fern Britton; Ruth Langsfordis reported to have made an official complaint about Phil to ITV bosses, and just last week, when Amanda Holden – who has spoken publicly about her feud with Phil – was asked to comment on the rumours that eight different colleagues had spoken out about his behaviour, she admitted, “There is a tin opener and there’s a can somewhere, and other people have found the tin opener. That’s all I’m saying.”
Reports even emerged that some of the tensions have arisen thanks to Phil’s jealousy of fellow presenter Eamonn Holmes’ OBE, with sources saying he is “desperate for a knighthood”.
Our insider tells us that Holly, 38, is contemplating moving on before the whole situation impacts her career, saying, “Holly can get on with anyone, but it seems Phil keeps making new enemies and she just wants to feel relaxed when she goes to work.”
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Some insiders claim the problem is Phil’s ego, as it seems everyone is trying to keep the TV stalwart happy. ITV even deemed it worthy to come out in support of their presenter and address the rumours, saying, “It’s deeply disappointing and unfair for Phillip to be the target of this sort of malicious gossip. Phillip is a much-respected broadcaster and colleague. Holly and Phil are great friends both on and off screen, and are popular among viewers and colleagues alike.”
CHECK OUT Holly Willoughby: All Her Clothes From This Morning And Where To Get It Cheaper On The High Street
Holly Willoughby: All her clothes from This Morning and where to get it cheaper on the high street
1 of 6TUESDAY 3 May
Today Holly has opted for a smart casual look. She's wearing a blue floral ruffle top, black trousers and black heels. What we're loving about this outfit is that you can dress it up with heels like Holly, or keep it casual with trainers. Holly's outfit costs more than £150 but we've found a high street dupe...What Holly is wearing:Ditsy floral contrast broderie ruffle blouse, Warehouse, £69.Clara trousers, Sezane, £95.**Where you can get Holly's look for less on the high street:**From New Look you can recreate Holly's entire outfit for less than £40...
2 of 6holly willoughby this morning outfit 3 may 2022
3 of 6WEDNESDAY 4 May
It's Wednesday and again Holly has opted for a smart/casual outfit. She's paired a white shirt, green midi skirt and nude heels together. Again this is a great outfit if you're heading into the office or going out for lunch with the girls. Holly's outfit is on the pricer side, so we've found a similar look that'll save you some cash...What Holly is wearing:Pure Collection linen shirt, John Lewis, £85.Suede wrap skirt, Jigsaw, £285.**Where you can get Holly's look for less on the high street:**From River Island you can copy Holly's style for less than £70...
4 of 6holly willoughby 4 may 2022
5 of 6THURSDAY 5 May
It's Thursday and for her final look of the week, Holly is wearing a blue and white floral dress. The This Morning presenter looks gorgeous and we're loving this dress. We're not the biggest fan of the £200+ price though, so we've found a high street dupe.What Holly is wearing:Fellini blue and cream tropical print cotton shirt dress, L.K. Bennett London, £299.**Where you can get Holly's look for less on the high street:**From Forever Unique you can recreate Holly's outfit for less than £60...
6 of 6holly willoughby this morning outfit
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Just days after the initial story broke, Holly and Phil were together to film the launch andChristmas special of Dancing On Ice, and they put on a show of unity. Holly later posted a behind-the-scenes clip of the filming, which showed her and Phil happily singing to each other and hugging. Phil later commented on the video with a heart emoji.
That being said, it now seems to be a case of when, not if, for Holly, as we’re told she’s already got an exit plan in place. “For her, it’s all about not burning any bridges or making it look like she feels she’s too good for daytime. But at the same time, she doesn’t want to get dragged into all the controversy. And with all the toxicity surrounding This Morning right now, it feels like it could be the right time to move on, but she’d never leave Phil in the lurch.”
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