Holly Willoughby's 'rock' at This Morning 'left out' of star's sudden exit

14 October 2023 , 10:02

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Holly Willoughby's 'rock' at This Morning 'left out' of star's sudden exit

The editor of This Morning, who was Holly Willoughby's former 'rock', was "left out" of her sudden exit conversation, according to reports.

Martin Frizell, who has produced the show since 2016, was said to have supported Holly through the scandal surrounding her former friend and fellow presenter Phillip Schofield's dramatic exit from the show. The team are said to have rallied together after Phil quit the programme following an 'unwise but not illegal affair' with a younger male runner.

However, despite their close bond it has been alleged that Martin, who is the husband of TV presenter Fiona Phillips, reportedly found out Holly had decided to leave This Morning - after 14 years at the helm- just 20 minutes before she posted the shock message on Instagram earlier this week.

The editor of This Morning Martin Frizell poses alongside former presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield who both quit this year (Instagram)

A source told MailOnline: "Martin always spoke so highly of Holly. He adored her and he was extremely loyal. It's the talk of ITV that he was told so late on. It doesn't exactly seem overly respectful. What a way to treat an editor." The Mirror has contacted Holly's rep for comment. ITV declined to comment.

Martin was reportedly assured Holly would be staying with This Morning for the foreseeable future after signing a new contract, allegedly worth £1m. She had also reportedly vowed to 'save the show' after numerous scandals.

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The This Morning team has had a tough couple of years, dealing with the fallout from Queuegate, in which Holly and Phillip were accused of jumping the line to see the late Queen lying in state.

Then, in May this year, the Broom Cupboard star shocked fans when he announced he was quitting the 'show he loved' before admitting to a affair with a male runner on the show. Following the fallout, staff on the programme have been quizzed by external lawyer Jane Mulcahy KC about the alleged toxic working culture on the programme. Martin denied claims of a toxic culture at ITV, adding the constant scrutiny around This Morning was 'tiring'.

As we await the outcome of the external inquiry into Schofield's conduct, the investigation has reportedly been put back two months to ensure a full and proper probe. One source told the Mail: "There is huge anxiety about the outcome, who will be named and what the repercussions will be. It has all become a bit dog eat dog."

When contacted by the Mirror about the investigation, an ITV spokesperson said: "Jane Mulcahy KC will review our records and talk to people involved. She will take as much time as is necessary to conduct this review and ITV will assist her in any way she requests to facilitate the review."

Victoria Johns