Phillip Schofield branded ‘The Grim Reaper’ by This Morning staff as insiders reveal he is ‘unpopular’ behind the scenes
THIS Morning staff have branded Phillip Schofield as ‘The Grim Reaper’ as insiders have revealed he is ‘unpopular’ behind the scenes.
The TV presenter has been hitting headlines recently after it emerged that his friendship with Holly Willoughby has been on the rocks off-camera.
This comes after Phil recently released a statement to the public on rumours that the two had fallen out.
He said: “The last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us. As I have said before, Holly is my rock.
“We’re the best of friends – as always, she is an incredible support on screen, behind the scenes and on the phone.”
However, neither Holly nor ITV knew about it and sources claimed it was a PR “own goal”.
It was later reported that other presenters are lined up to replace him should he leave ITV.
And now, insiders told how Phil’s exit from the infamous sofa would also be welcomed by some of the staff.
Staff members have reportedly started calling him the “Grim Reaper” as a joking nickname.
Speaking to the Mirror, one said: “Phil has been seen as untouchable for years which has also given him an unprecedented level of control.
“He is nicknamed The Grim Reaper by some people who don’t get on with him.”
They added: “He is obviously very passionate about the show, but the way he goes about exercising his influence has made him very unpopular with some.”
The Sun have contacted ITV for comment.
ITV bosses are said to be holding ‘crisis talks’ on what the next steps will be.
Peace talks that were to be held between Holly and Phil have been cancelled.
Holly has made it clear to the broadcaster that she would host This Morning without Phil if he left, insisting they were “separate entities”.