Holly Willoughby ‘just wants Phillip Schofield gone’ as she ‘begins contract negotiations’ over This Morning future
HOLLY Willoughby “just wants Phillip Schofield gone” according to reports after their telly BFF relationship took a nosedive.
The Sun reported yesterday how the former Celebrity Juice star, 42, has “cut ties” with her This Morning co-star of 14 years – and could be “too upset” to star on Monday’s This Morning.
It’s understood Holly is “devastated” over the move but was left blindsided when Phil, 61, released a statement on their feud without consulting her.
The friendship breakdown – which has seen Holly looking glum off-screen – comes after The Sun first reported how the TV stars’ relationship was under strain.
Now MailOnline reports how Holly is said to have “asked her team to reach out to ITV to negotiate a new contract.”
It added how the business move was a “bid to spur the channel into making a decision on the show’s future line-up.”
The Sun has gone to Holly’s reps for comment.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for This Morning previously refused to confirm whether Phillip would be on the programme on Monday.
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”.
Sources also let on how tensions between Holly and Phil had become so palpable, it was apparent to staff on set that they were barely speaking when the cameras weren’t rolling.
He released a statement in full to The Sun in an attempt to mend his situation with Holly.
Pouring out his heart, Phil said: “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.
“Holly has always been there for me, through thick and thin. And I’ve been there for her.
“The last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us.”
Phil took three weeks off the show in March as his brother Timothy Schofield, 54, was convicted of child sex offences.
He is due to be sentenced next week. Phil’s statement added: “My family went through a real ordeal.
“And Holly’s support throughout meant the world to me, as did the support of my bosses at ITV, my editor Martin Frizell and the whole This Morning family, including our amazing viewers.
“And of course Holly has herself been ill with shingles.
“Whatever happens, we still have each other to count on.”
Phil lobbied for Holly to join This Morning as co-presenter when Fern Britton, 65, left the show.
Holly joined him in 2009 and the pair — who also co-host Dancing on Ice — have earned 12 National Television Awards between them.