06 June 2023 , 09:47
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Holly Willoughby is feeling "suffocated" by the Phillip Schofield furore and fearing for an "uncertain" career path, sources have claimed.
The ITV presenter made a defiant return to This Morning on Monday where she addressed the scandal that has engulfed the ITV daytime show head on.
The 42-year-old has faced pressure to speak out since her former co-star admitted to a relationship with a younger member of staff.
Phillip has since resigned from the popular daytime show and has taken part in a series of emotional interviews telling his side of the story.
He said he lied to Holly about the relationship when she confronted him as rumours emerged.
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However, the situation is said to be affecting Holly, with a source claiming she is feeling "suffocated" by the situation.
Holly addressed the situation on This Morning (ITV)"All the attention and controversy is making Holly feel suffocated. She has been beside herself over the whole scandal – her world has been turned upside down," the source tells Heat magazine.
"She is being told to keep calm and carry on as normal, but there is a deep fear from her and her team that viewers may turn against her. Phil’s actions have thrown everyone at This Morning into a state of unease and panic, and Holly knows that the viewers at home must be feeling incredibly betrayed by it all.
"This is the hardest thing that Holly has ever had to face professionally, and she’s found herself in a really uncertain place career-wise that has caused a lot of pain and anxiety."
Holly returned to This Morning and thanked Josie Gibson for presenting with her before saying: "Deep breath - firstly, are you OK? I hope so. It feels very strange sitting here without Phil and I imagine you might be feeling a lot like I have - shaken, troubled, let down, worried for the wellbeing of people on all sides of what's been going on, and full of questions."
She went on to explain that the situation is "a lot to process" before thanking the public for their "kind messages".
She concluded by saying she, "Josie, Dermot, Alison and Craig and every single person on this show will continue to work hard every single day to bring you the show that we love".
Holly is expected to continue with the show while Phil said last week that his 40 year TV career is 'over.'