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Privacy NoticeThe catalyst for the deterioration of Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield’s friendship has reportedly been revealed. It is alleged that Holly was infuriated when Phillip refused to let her present This Morning alone on International Women’s Day. This incident reportedly marked the beginning of their estrangement. Sources suggest that Phillip feels betrayed by his former friend, believing she abandoned him after he stepped down from ITV following the revelation of his “unwise but not illegal” affair with a younger colleague. According to a recent report, Holly was furious when Phillip declined her request to present the show solo on International Women’s Day. Phillip became aware of Holly’s request through a text from ITV boss Martin Frizell, asking if he would consider taking the day off to allow Holly to work alone. However, Phillip perceived Martin’s text as “patronising,” according to a friend of Phillip’s.
The reason behind Holly and Phil’s falling out has been identified
“Phil said Holly was ‘incandescent’ about the whole thing. The next thing the ITV press team had a call from the press suggesting that Phil had been difficult. It felt like an orchestrated coup, that perhaps Holly wanted to present the show on her own and didn’t need Phil anymore,” reports the Mirror. Martin Frizell allegedly told Phillip that the episode in question was to “give five women in the UK a day off from everything – no washing, no chores.” The source added that Martin wanted to celebrate “being women” but Phil argued that this wasn’t what the day was actually about. Having reportedly complained to Martin, stating that it felt misogynistic and as though they had been transported back to the 1950s, Phillip is said to have gone above Martin’s head and complained to the managing director of daytime, Emma Gormley. Sign up to OK!’s TV newsletter to get updates sent to your inbox for free
Holly and Phillip were formerly friends
(Image: Dave J. Hogan/Getty Images)
“Martin then suggested he present a wine item, which left Phil going above his head and complaining to Emma Gormley,” it is claimed. Eventually, Holly fronted the first segment of the programme completely alone with an all-female production crew. She opened the programme saying: “Happy International Women’s Day! Well look at this, this is a lovely way to start the show to celebrate International Women’s Day.” “We wanted to start with the incredible ladies that help put this show together. From our hardworking runners and producers, to our wonderful crew and the incredible line-up of our This Morning experts. We are very proud to work with you amazing women, you are all brilliant, give yourselves a huge round of applause.” Holly has praised her female colleagues as “brilliant,” hinting that there’s much more to come, describing the current situation as “just the tip of the iceberg.” This comes amid revelations that Phillip, who is facing a challenging time after his exit from television, reportedly nicknamed Holly “the witch” in the aftermath of his departure. A source speaking to The Sun revealed that within Phillip’s circle, Holly is referred to as “the witch,” with Phillip allegedly using a witch emoji when mentioning her in conversations. The source disclosed: “He dislikes Holly so much now he calls her ‘the witch’ when talking about her and sends the emoji to his mates if she comes up. He messaged Holly and told her, ‘You brought me down.’ He was furious and still is.”Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnHolly WilloughbyPhillip SchofieldThis Morning
