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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Jacob Stolworthy

Amanda Holden 'accuses Phillip Schofield' of blocking host roles on This Morning and I'm a Celebrity

Amanda Holden has reportedly claimed that Phillip Schofield blocked her from securing several high-profile presenting roles.

The Britain's Got Talent judge is said to have voiced concerns to ITV boss Kevin Lygo back in September that Schofield cost her the role for calling her "difficult to manage".

According to reports, Schofield "actively campaigned" for Rochelle Humes to get the gig as his This Morning co-host despite Holden being told the role was hers.

It's also claimed that Holden had been told she was to replace Ant McPartlin on last year's edition of I'm a Celebrity, only to allegedly have her booking prevented by Schofield.

An anonymous source told The Sun on Sunday: “Amanda was so excited. So she was shocked when execs told her they couldn’t follow through with the offer. [Producers] let slip the decision had been influenced by Schofield.”

The role eventually went to Schofield's regular presenting partner Holly Willoughby despite Schofield reportedly lobbying for the role himself.

Speaking on Heart FM earlier this month, Holden told listeners the three things she wouldn't like to find in her home included "spiders, flies and Phillip Schofield."

Schofield told Heat magazine that Holden kept him "on [his] toes" when asked about his experiences presenting This Morning with Holden.

ITV said in a statement: “Presenter line-ups on This Morning change regularly. Final decisions are made by producers, not presenters.

"Phillip is a much-loved broadcaster and part of the ITV family. He’s a consummate professional. Amanda is also held in high regard as a judge on one of our biggest shows.”  

Schofield and Holden weren't immediately available for comment.

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