The moment which sparked the downfall of Holly Willoughby and fall out has been revealed.
Reports claim that was left furious when her former best pal and co-star Phillip refused to let her present alone for International Women's Day. It's believed that this sparked the moment the pair started to distance themselves from one another before becoming complete strangers.
Sources claim that Phillip believes his former friend threw him under the bus when he stepped down from all work with after admitting to his "unwise but not illegal" affair with a much younger colleague. He had previously denied all allegations surrounding the affair.
Now, a report suggests that Holly was "incandescent" with rage following Phillip's refusal to let her go solo for the day. It's claimed that Phillip became aware of Holly's request when ITV boss Martin Frizell texted him, asking him if he'd like to take the day off so Holly could work alone. But Frizell's text felt "patronising," according to a pal of Schofield.
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reports: "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."
Frizell allegedly told Schofield that the episode in question was to "show wanting to five women int he 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, Schofield is said to have gone above Martin's head and complained to the managing director of daytime, Emma Gormley. "Martin then suggested he present a wine item, which left Phil going above his head and complaining to Emma Gormley," it's claimed.
Eventually, Holly fronted the first segment of the programme completely alone with an all-female production crew as she opened the programme as she exclaimed: "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 later added that the women are "brilliant," adding that it was "just the tip of the iceberg." Earlier this week, it emerged that Phillip had nicknamed Holly "the witch" who brought him down. Holly slammed Schofield for lying to not only her but his family, friends and colleagues.
Speaking to , a source said she is known as "the witch" amongst his inner circle. They also claim that he uses the hatted hag emoji to discuss Holly if her name ever crops up. They added: "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."
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