This Morning fans were stunned to see a new face introduce Thursday’s episode, as Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield‘s feud continues.
Rumours of a feud between the Dancing On Ice co-stars surfaced last week, with accusations that they were ‘barely communicating’ behind the scenes of the long-running daily show.
While Phil, 61, has stated the couple are ‘best friends,’ the Wylde Moon creator, 41, has yet to publicly address the problem, despite the duo continuing to host the ITV daytime programme together.
During today’s edition, a grey android figure opened the show saying: ‘Welcome to your Thursday This Morning. This is the UK’s number one daytime show, presented by Phillip and Holly.’
‘There’s so much coming up on the show today that I can’t wait for you to hear all about it.’
While the daytime duo appeared impressed by Ameca, described as the world’s most advanced robot, they were also taken aback.
Holly added: ‘It is amazing, it’s slightly freaking me out. I’m not going to lie. Phillip, I’m not sure.’
Several fans couldn’t help but poke fun at the ‘new presenter,’ with one person tweeting: ‘Is the robot Philip and Holly’s replacement?’
‘That robot is a total meme as to what is going on,’ another joked.
Since the claims surfaced, viewers have speculated on the show’s future, with it stated that Holly had considered leaving the show because she is difficult to cope with the circumstances.
However, it has been reported that ITV is eyeing Phil for the chopping block rather than Holly, with a source claiming it is ‘very improbable’ that he will return to This Morning in September.
According to a new source, the broadcaster wants Phil to stand down but he is causing problems for his managers by refusing to do so.
They told the Daily Mail: ‘Phil doesn’t see why he should go. It’s his job, he has steered the show for more than 20 years.’
A further source added that the situation between the pair had become a ‘runaway train that cannot be stopped’.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.
