12 May 2023 , 20:53
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Phillip Schofield confronted his former best friend Holly Willoughby once the news had emerged that they were said to be embroiled in a feud.
The presenters have been a solid unit for over a decade, fronting shows such as This Morning and Dancing On Ice alongside one another.
Away from the screens, they were the closest of friends and spent time together with their families.
However, in recent months, their friendship has crumbled with sources claiming Holly is ready to front the show alone as they are not a joint entity.
But Phillip, 61, is said to have been involved in a tense call with Holly, 42, once their row became public knowledge.
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Phillip Schofield confronted Holly Willoughby when their alleged feud came to light (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Following the Mirror revealing that ITV are prepared to sack him, sources have shed light, explaining that Phillip is devastated that their row is out in the open.
"Things have been difficult between them," said a source before adding: "But for it to play out so publicly was the last thing Phil was ever expecting."
They went on to tell The Sun: "He has spoken with Holly over the phone about how this all played out. He’s devastated by it all and is incredibly upset."
Phillip is said to be willing to "fight to keep his job" but is aware that he has become unpopular with people within ITV as well as the general public.
Schofield is said to be "devastated" by their falling out (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Speaking to the Mirror, insiders claim that Phillip's recent public statement has only made things worse.
One mole: "This Morning's relationship with its viewers is built on trust, and they have to believe that Holly and Phil’s friendship, and what they're watching, is real.
"While there was a bit of noise and speculation about their relationship cooling, it could have easily been ignored.
"But by putting this statement out there, he has turned what was a manageable situation into a feeding frenzy. If viewers now no longer believe in the pair, and make their views clear next week, make no mistake, ITV will act.
"Phil’s position is looking increasingly precarious. Monday is very much D-day, but the same could apply to any day next week. No one is bigger than the brand."
The source said the irony over speculation about Schofield’s relationship with Holly is that while it has changed over the years, the claims about tensions behind the scenes were “massively overblown”.
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The insider added: “Yes, they aren’t as chummy as before, but any suggestion they were at loggerheads and not talking off-air was false.
“But despite not meaning to Phil’s public statement has now created this perception, and if that cuts through to the viewers, it’s over.”