Phillip Schofield 'axed minutes after final This Morning show' amid Holly 'feud'
Phillip Schofield was reportedly told his This Morning contract was not being renewed on Thursday, just minutes after cameras stopped rolling.
Last week, Phillip and his former pal Holly Willoughby returned to their role on the show, despite their ongoing feud after their friendship came to an end.
It comes after the Mirror revealed that bosses were prepared to let him go if the pair couldn't convince viewers that their on-screen chemistry remained the same.
But reports now claim Phillip was let go from the show after over 20 years of appearing on the famous sofa with various co-presenters.
Phillip Schofield was reportedly told his contract wouldn't be renewed shortly after coming off air on Thursday (ITV)The Mirror previously revealed that Phillip was prepared to fight on to ensure that his job remained secure, but according to reports in The Sun, this wasn't enough.
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Speaking to the publication, a source claimed that bosses were not prepared to ignore the ongoing drama, before adding: "Bosses were worried they might lose their golden girl Holly so decided to pull the plug on Phil. He was devastated.
"Crew were none the wiser when they left work on Friday afternoon and were fully expecting to see Phil turn up to work on Monday.
Reports suggest nobody was aware Thursday would be his last show (ITV)"It has felt like the writing was on the wall for some time, but neither he nor many show staff were expecting ITV's knee-jerk reaction."
An ITV insider revealed to the Mirror that Phillip made the decision to walk away and was not sacked from his role.
The Sunday People revealed that Phillip struck a deal with ITV to protect his future with the network, as well as securing another role.
An insider said: "Phil's fate was decided on Friday. It was a unanimous decision that he had to go.
"He was upset, but firm that if he was going to walk away he wanted to keep his roles on The Cube, the British Soap Awards, and Dancing on Ice – crucially, with or without Holly.
"And they agreed to the terms he laid out. As far as he was concerned, if he was going to take one for the team, they would owe him.
"It has all been worked out in the smoothest way possible, but behind the scenes, he has told friends he has been hung out to dry."
Tensions had been brewing between Phil and Holly (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Phillip announced on Saturday that he was leaving This Morning with immediate effect following the speculation surrounding his future on the show as well as his friendship with Holly.
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In a statement, the former host said: "I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.
"Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind. I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love.
"So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month."
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