Phillip Schofield’s career downfall was reportedly exacerbated by a text he sent to former best friend and colleague Holly Willoughby, accusing her of not supporting him during his difficult time. The fallout occurred after Phillip admitted to having an affair with a junior colleague, leading to his departure from This Morning. Phillip allegedly asked Holly for a public show of support, which she refused, causing him to feel betrayed by someone he considered a friend and his ‘TV sister’. The duo’s relationship soured, with reports indicating that they no longer speak.
Following the scandal, Holly distanced herself from Phillip and decided to leave This Morning after 14 years of working together. She expressed feeling ‘shaken, let down, and worried’ during a carefully managed return to the show in June 2023. The two former colleagues remained distant, and Holly focused on her new solo career, smiling and reconnecting with Fearne Cotton. Phillip, on the other hand, returned to TV screens but appeared to make swipes at some former colleagues, including Holly. Despite this, Holly seemed unfazed and continued to focus on her own projects.
Phillip’s downfall was marked by ongoing issues, including accusations of receiving VIP treatment during the lying in state of Queen Elizabeth II. This incident led to criticism from the public, strained relationships with colleagues, and a significant backlash against the presenters. Following his admission of an affair with a younger colleague, which led to his departure from This Morning, Phillip faced further scrutiny and criticism both professionally and personally. Holly was also affected by the fallout, expressing hurt and disappointment at being lied to by someone she considered a close friend.
The fallout from Phillip’s affair and subsequent departure from This Morning continued, with reports of a kidnapping and murder plot targeting Holly. This alleged plot pushed Holly to make the decision to leave the show, with plans for a relaunch in January with a new host reportedly in motion before the incident. The situation caused chaos within the show, leading to Holly’s decision to step away. Despite the challenges, Holly thanked ITV, her colleagues, and the viewers for their support and loyalty, signaling a difficult goodbye after 14 years on the show.
The relationship between Holly and Phillip continued to deteriorate, with reports of Phillip making swipes at his former colleagues and Holly ignoring these attempts to provoke a reaction. Despite the public scrutiny and fallout from the affair, Holly focused on her new ventures, celebrating the third birthday of her wellness company and looking towards a future that is independent of her former co-host. The ongoing saga has illustrated the complexities and challenges faced by both presenters as they navigate a changing landscape in their careers and personal lives.
