'Trapped' Holly Willoughby 'considering quitting This Morning' over Phil feud
16.05.2023 - 20:15
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Holly Willoughby has considered leaving This Morning after feeling 'trapped' by the ongoing crisis surrounding her and once close friend and co-host Philip Schofield, a source claims.
The 42-year-old is said to 'love' her work on the ITV show, but is struggling to cope with the increasingly tense relationship she has with Phil, 61, according to the Mirror.
“By removing herself from the situation she could protect herself better,” a source said.
Phil, who recently disowned his brother Timothy Schofield after he was convicted of child sexual abuse offences, for which he is set to be sentenced on Friday, appeared alongside co-host Holly as usual on Monday and today.
However, some viewers were quick to comment on their seemingly awkward body language. One person tweeted: “It is so awkward and uncomfortable to watch, from the lack of dynamic or co-operation of both Holly and Phil, to the blatant discomfort of the guests on the show."
Another added: “Holly and Phil looking very uncomfortable on This Morning. Cut the atmosphere with a knife. She can’t even look at him.”
The programme's regular newspaper review section on the Monday's show was also cut short and papers featuring the Phil and Holly feud on the front pages were not discussed.
“Holly is sick of being lied to,” claims the source. “She feels trapped. She knows she could easily find another job at a different channel, so it’s up to ITV to give her assurances that she’ll be taken care of if she stays put.”
Producers may need to take drastic action if viewing numbers drop. According to official figures, Monday’s episode had an average of 726,720 people watching, which was roughly 170,000 less compared to the previous Monday’s 894,000 viewers.
While neither host has spoken of