Holly Willoughby looks set to stay on the This Morning sofa as ITV bosses battle to keep the star co-host, insiders have told GB News.
Sources close to ITV’s primetime show have revealed that the broadcaster’s top-brass now believe the worst of the scandal surrounding Phillip Schofield is behind them.
Our insider said: "Holly being back on the show and addressing what's happened was a really big moment.
“It felt as if everything was building up to that and, now it's done, everyone feels as if they can move on a little bit.
Phillip Schofield resigned from ITV after admitting to an 'unwise but not illegal' affair with a younger male colleagueITV"Giving evidence on Wednesday will be an important day too.
“But ITV bosses think if they can come through that without further damage then they will have got over the worst of things.
"The feedback from viewers has been pretty positive.
“They think people are staying with the programme and, most importantly, with the presenters.
Holly Willoughby on the This Morning couchITV“And, at the end of the day, as long as people are tuning in the show will carry on and have a future. Right now, they are."
Reports over the weekend claimed Willoughby, 42, was the target of rivals at the BBC.
But This Morning bosses are increasingly confident that they can persuade her to stay.
"Holly feels a deep affection to the show," a source has claimed.
Holly Willoughby was comforted by her new co-host Josie Gibson after making the statementITV"It's been a part of her life for so long now, so to walk away would feel like kicking everyone who works on it when they are down.
“If Holly can help navigate the show through this crisis it will only further enhance her career and that's why ITV bosses are focused on supporting her to do just that.
“As strange as it might seem, Holly is actually in an incredibly strong position at the moment.
“None of this is her making but if she can help clear it up she'll be seen as the saviour of This Morning.
Phillip Schofield rejected grooming a young male employee in an interview last nightITV“If she can't then it will always be Phillip's fault. So it's a win-win for her."
Willoughby returned to the This Morning sofa earlier today as the show looked to bounce back following Schofield's departure.
Schofield, 61, admitted to having an “unwise but not illegal” affair with a former runner ten days ago.
He also revealed that he previously lied to Willoughby, ITV bosses, and his family about his relationship with the young man.
Willoughby fought back tears as she spoke about the scandal.
Holly Willoughby broke her silence on the Phillip Schofield saga on This MorningThe 42-year-old said she felt "shaken, troubled and let down" by the actions of her co-host.
Speaking in the opening minutes of her first show without Schofield, Willoughby said: "It feels very strange indeed sitting here without Phil.
“And I imagine that you might have been feeling a lot like I have – shaken, troubled, let down, worried for the wellbeing of people on all sides of what’s been going on, and full of questions.“
"You, me and all of us at This Morning gave our love and support to someone who was not telling the truth, who acted in a way that they themselves felt that they had to resign from ITV, and step down from a career that they loved. That is a lot to process."
Willoughby was comforted by her new co-host Josie Gibson after making the statement.
