Phillip Schofield ‘refuses to quit This Morning as pressure mounts amid Holly Willoughby feud’
PHILLIP Schofield has no intention of quitting This Morning – leaving show bosses unsure how to act, according to reports.
The long-serving presenter’s role on the programme is facing increased pressure as his off-air feud with Holly Willoughby rumbles on.
But according to the Mail, under fire Phillip, 61, won’t relinquish a position he’s held for over 20 years.
A source said: “Phil doesn’t see why he should go. It’s his job, he has steered the show for more than 20 years.”
Bosses are said to be desperate to keep Holly, 42, on the programme and fear their inability to act with Phil could jeopardise that.
Embarrassingly, the feuding duo received a mention in Parliament today as deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden name-checked them as he led Prime Minister’s Questions in Rishi Sunak’s absence.
Dowden called Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and his deputy Angela Rayner “the Phil and Holly of British politics”, describing them as “all lovey dovey on the surface, they turn it on for the cameras, but as soon as they’re off, it’s a different story. They’re at each other’s throats.”
A source told the Mail: “Those upstairs know they have to act – they just don’t know what to do.”
Yesterday we revealed Phillip faces the axe from This Morning amid a “seismic” summer shake-up.
Insiders say many believe the time is finally up for Phil, who has hosted the ITV juggernaut since 2002.
This Morning’s boss Martin Frizell could also be in line for the chop, according to staff — as ITV top brass attempt a major overhaul of the embattled series.
However. those working on the daytime show say they understand that popular co-presenter Holly’s job will be safe.
A source said: “This Morning is preparing for some seismic changes this summer — and Phil is lined up as the first major name for the chop when his contract expires this summer.
“It’s highly unlikely he’ll be back in September.
“Plans are being drawn up for a new look This Morning and, at the moment, Phil is not featuring in them. He has worked on the show for over two decades. Many feel it is time for some fresh blood.”
It comes after The Sun revealed that Phil and Holly — who sparked controversy by jumping the queue to see the Queen lying in state last September — are barely speaking off camera.
This Morning insiders revealed how Frizell, who has been in charge since 2016, could be close behind Phil to the door.
The source added: “There is talk behind the scenes of Martin also being knifed as a bit of a fall guy, too — which might save some of the even more senior executives at the broadcaster if things spiral further.
“He has steered the ship for a long time but his handling of ‘Queuegate’ and now Holly and Phil’s row has been viewed by some as calamitous, and many junior members of staff have struggled with his old-school way of working
“The shake-up is going to be from the top down and no one, no matter their status, is bigger than the show.”