Eamonn Holmes launched a blistering attack on his former This Morning co-stars Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby on Monday morning.
Amid crisis talks at ITV over the future of its two top stars, Eammon called the partnership “heartbroken” when he discussed the fallout on his GB News show.
Referring to Sunday night’s BAFTA TV Awards, where neither Phil nor Holly attended, Eammon joked, “I think there should have been a special award for Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby for best actors.”
“They may or may not be on television together today. He brought in lawyers, she brought in a PR team. The audience will surely think there’s no chemistry, that it’s a broken bond between the two and that This Morning doesn’t depend on who’s hosting it.’
‘Broken’: Eammon Holmes launched a blistering attack on his former This Morning co-stars Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby on Monday morning
The ex-This Morning star continued, “It’s an institution, it will continue no matter who presents it and anyone can check the ratings, there’s no difference between them presenting it or anyone else.”
Eamonn co-hosted the ITV daytime show with his wife Ruth Langsford from 2006 until August 2021, until he was ‘dropped’ by ITV and replaced by Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary.
Meanwhile, Phil and Holly both looked serious as they left for work early Monday, where they will be together on This Morning despite their degenerated relationship.
The 61-year-old, dressed in jeans, a casual shirt and boots, walked out of his West London home at around 6.30am and got into a waiting BMW.
At 10am millions will be watching This Morning as he appears on screen with Holly following crisis talks between ITV and the embattled couple over whether one, both or neither of them would be on air today.
Phil is trying to put an end to the ongoing feud after it emerged he had brought in his own lawyers over the argument with his co-host, sources have revealed. He has also hired a new PR man to improve his press coverage.
It comes as ITV confirmed the pair will host the show this morning, after more than 48 hours of crisis talks. Those close to the couple said today’s program will continue to run smoothly despite the behind-the-scenes feud.
A source told The Sun: ‘Holly and Phil are professionals and they can handle it like no other.
On Airstrike: Amid crisis talks at ITV over the future of its two top stars, Eammon called the partnership ‘a broken strike’ as he discussed the fallout on his GB News show on Monday morning
“While behind the scenes their relationship is not what it used to be, they are both committed to This Morning and keeping it together for viewers.”
Broadcaster bosses were reportedly furious after Schofield, 61, broke his silence with a shocking statement about falling out with his co-presenter of 14 years, admitting that ‘the past few weeks have not been easy for us’.
Despite this, Schofield believes he can weather the ongoing storm, but even those closest to him have said it has to do with whether the public believes the pair still have on-screen chemistry.
Sources at the broadcaster described the situation as a “dilemma” for the bosses, as both former friends were determined to get their way.
Schofield, 61, has consulted lawyers about the situation, which has been spiraling out of control for months.
The Daily Mail revealed last night that he has also hired Gordon Smart, a former Sun showbiz columnist and occasional Good Morning Britain presenter, to manage the crisis and ensure favorable press coverage.
Ex-colleagues: Eamonn co-hosted the ITV daytime show with his wife Ruth Langsford from 2006 to August 2021 until he was ‘dropped’ by ITV
It’s a clear sign, sources say, that he’s “taking this very seriously” and “wants to get out of the situation quickly.”
The feud began in September when the pair faced criticism for not lining up for the Queen’s Lying in State.
It’s gotten so bad that it’s said they stop talking when the cameras stop rolling. Ms Willoughby, 42, has now severed all ties with Schofield except her This Morning commitments.
Clearly, producers had several options for tackling tomorrow’s show. At the center of the decision was editor Martin Frizell, who supports Ms Willoughby.
It will be the couple’s first appearance together since Schofield released a statement about their friendship last Thursday without consulting her first. On the air that morning, they failed to convince viewers that they were still friends, with Mrs. Willoughby apparently unable to look her co-star in the eye.
Insiders are predicting a battle between ITV and Schofield. He has been a powerful figure there for more than 20 years, but his influence is dwindling. Bosses want to keep Ms. Willoughby happy and This Morning employees expect the tense atmosphere in the studio to become more difficult.
On screen: Monday marks the couple’s first appearance together since Schofield released a statement about their friendship last Thursday without consulting her first
While the return of the co-hosts is expected to boost ratings, executives fear that reviving their partnership will make viewers suspicious of forced bonhomie. An insider said, “This will seriously undermine the show and its reputation. How can they pretend to joke together?
“Their friendship used to be sincere, but it’s not anymore, so they’re sure to fool their audience. But neither will back down. How can you tell one of them to stay home?
“The headlines that come from them performing together can really hurt the show and the brand.”
Schofield disappeared from the air for more than two weeks last month while his brother Timothy, 54, was on trial at Exeter Crown Court for sexually assaulting a teenage boy. After his conviction, the TV star said: “I don’t have a brother anymore.”
