Phillip Schofield is allegedly refusing ITV’s request to leave This Morning as his ‘fallout’ with Holly Willoughby continues.
Rumours of a schism 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 programme.
While Phil, 61, has stated the couple are ‘best friends,’ the Wylde Moon founder, 41, has yet to publicly address the problem, despite the duo continuing to broadcast This Morning together.
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 Triggerpoint broadcaster wants Phil to stand down, but he is causing problems for his supervisors 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.’
According to another insider, the situation between the two has devolved into a “runaway train that cannot be stopped.”
It follows reports that Phil has been ‘increasingly reclusive’ as a result of the rumours.
A source told the Mirror: ‘[He is] almost a shell of himself. He seems down and spends a lot of time in his dressing room. We’re worried about him.’
On Wednesday, This Morning viewers thought they saw further tension between the couple during an uncomfortable hug before Holly went for the Prince’s Trust Awards at Buckingham Palace.
Holly and Phil have co-hosted This Morning for 14 years.
They originally appeared on the famous show together in 2009 and have since gone on to become one of the most popular duos on British television.
