Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby returned to our screens on Monday as they put up a united front for This Morning, which left viewers puzzled following the feud rumours between the pair.
The long-running hosts of the ITV show sparked up a very close off-screen friendship, but it appears their relationship is on the rocks following recent reports of tension between the stars over recent weeks.
It's been a turbulent few months, particularly for host Phil, 61, as his brother Timothy Schofield is due to appear in court this week to be sentenced for his vile sex crimes.
According to sources that have spoken to the Mirror, Philip's co-workers are becoming increasingly worried for his mental state following the aftermath of the reported fallout.
The source told the publication: "He is becoming increasingly withdrawn and almost a shell of himself.
"He seems down and spends a lot of time in his dressing room. We’re worried about him."
We previously reported that Phil released a statement as the rumours ramped up across social media and within the industry, where the television host admitted things "haven't been easy".
However insiders say his statement has made the situation "a million times worse."
One source told the Mirror: "This Morning's relationship with its viewers is built on trust, and they have to believe that Holly and Phil’s friendship, and what they’re watching, is real.
"This is a PR disaster totally of his own making. The whole thing beggars belief."
Holly Willoughby is yet to break her silence on the alleged 'feud' but with ITV bosses having been rocked by Phil's statement which was aired for the world to see, it's likely the 42-year-old will be rattled too.
A source said: “She is stuck between a rock and hard place. If she comes out to support Phil, she validates a nonsense story. If she stays quiet, she’s disloyal.”
Although another source claims the rumours don't ring as true, adding: “Yes, they aren’t as chummy as before. But any suggestion they were at loggerheads, not talking off-air, was false.”
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