ITV star favourite to replace Phillip Schofield as bosses hold 'crisis talks'
Phillip Schofield could be replaced by his co-star and pal, Stephen Mulhern as bookies have revealed he is a favourite to step into the star's shoes.
It comes following days of speculation surrounding Phillip's future on This Morning following his ongoing alleged feud with best friend and co-host, Holly Willoughby.
In recent days, bosses were said to be prepared to axe Phillip, 61, should it appear on-screen that his relationship with Holly, 42, is not what it once was.
But the pair have put on a united front for viewers and not addressed the rumours on screen – who were not left convinced by their performance on the programme.
Although bookies now believe that Catchphrase star Stephen Mulhern could be preparing to take over Phillip's role on ITV's Dancing On Ice.
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Stephen Mulhern is tipped to replace Phillip Schofield on Dancing On Ice (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
There has been growing speculation suggesting Phillip may step down or be axed (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Speaking to the Mirror, Lee Phelps of William Hill explained: "With rumours of a breakdown in the relationship between presenting partnership Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, Schofield's position as a host on Dancing On Ice seems to be slipping away from him.
"Should Schofield step down from the role we make Stephen Mulhern the favourite to replace him at 2/1, with the experienced presenter well-liked by the public for his roles on many popular shows such as Catchphrase.
"Dermot O'Leary is also in the running at 4/1 having had experience in presenting big talent shows through his many years as the host of The X Factor.
"Jordan Banjo and Vernon Kay (both 6/1) are also potential candidates for the role."
The Mirror revealed that ITV bosses would be prepared to sack Schofield from his role on the shows he and Holly co-present should viewers notice their "chemistry" had changed.
Phillip has presented Dancing On Ice with Holly since 2006 (PA)
Stephen was a guest host on Dancing On Ice back on series 14 after Schofield contracted Covid-19 (Steve Meddle/REX/Shutterstock)Meanwhile, bosses are said to have held crisis talks with the pair as viewers noticed tension between the pair.
A source has told the Daily Mail: "Social media is used as a barometer to see what the public think. Those in charge were left no under no illusion that it was a total disaster.
"It was painful for the This Morning team to work on and it was just as painful for them to watch.
"There was a meeting afterwards to discuss how it went that went on for some time. To be honest, everyone was just so relieved to get it over with, but even if the show does continue to go on for some time, it will continue to be a massive headache."
They were the closest of friends for several years after becoming work pals, but it's since emerged that Holly and Phillip have cancelled family trips together.
Meanwhile, bosses are believed to be holding key meetings in the coming days to discuss his future on the show with reports suggesting his last appearance could be in the coming weeks.
Phillip issued a statement explaining that in recent weeks, things "hadn't been easy" for him and Holly after he reportedly kept her in the dark over his brother's ongoing child sexual offences trial.
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However, neither Holly nor ITV were aware that he was planning to put a statement out, leaving his former close friend completely blindsided and upset.
A source recently explained that following the dramatic fallout, Phillip is prepared to tough it out and fight for his job.
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