Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby have recently been the focus of attention following reports of a purported feud behind the scenes.
For 14 years, the daytime pair has hosted This Morning.
They initially appeared on the famous programme together in 2009 and have since gone on to become one of the most successful duo acts on British television.
However, it’s been a rough week for the hosts of the popular ITV show with insiders reporting that the duo no longer interact behind the scenes and that their friendship has ‘cooled’.
Phillip, 61, has reportedly been ‘increasingly reclusive’ as a result of the rumours.
With insiders claiming Phil’s declining popularity among viewers, public relations expert Anthony Burr, who specialises in Publicity, Media, and Crisis Management, believes outspoken broadcaster Piers Morgan would be a perfect fit for the daytime show if bosses were considering a change in direction.
When asked who he could see dominating the show if Holly and Phil decided to step down, he told us: ‘ITV may well play it safe and promote Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond to fill Phil and Holly’s shoes permanently.
‘But if they do want to take the opportunity for a change of direction, and execs feel that it is time for a more hard hitting programme, don’t be surprised to hear Piers Morgan’s or Davina McCall’s names being bandied about.’
According to sources, the mum-of-three will likely present This Morning alongside her friend Alison Hammond or on her own, but no official announcement has been made.
Anthony continued: ‘And who says it needs to be a man-woman double act? Diversity is important. Two females fronting the show would work really well too, so it could be time for the next gen to step up with thirty-somethings such as Rochelle Humes and Josie Gibson taking the reins.’
In a statement released with the Sun last week, Phil sought to dismiss suspicions of turmoil and showered admiration on Holly.
‘As I have said before, Holly is my rock,’ he said. ‘We’re the best of friends – as always, she is an incredible support on screen, behind the scenes and on the phone.
‘Holly has always been there for me, through thick and thin. And I’ve been there for her.
‘The last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us.’
However, insiders afterwards claimed that Phil’s statement had ‘blindsided’ Holly, who had no idea he was going to speak about their connection.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.
Source My Celebrity Life.
