23 May 2023 , 14:36
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Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield were once the golden couple of daytime TV, with the longtime duo also the best of friends and even enjoying trip abroad together away from the This Morning set.
But following Phil's sudden departure from the ITV show, alongside claims Holly wants to end their on-screen partnership altogether, we may possibly never see the former BFFs host a TV show together again.
As Dermot O'Leary and Alison hold the fort and front This Morning while Holly enjoys an early half term break amid all the drama, it's thought the mum-of-three will return to our screens ready to show the public what she's made of next month.
After years of being synonymous with Phil, with the two stars often delighting viewers sitting on the This Morning sofa 'hungover' after their annual night out at the NTAs, Holly could be ready to thrive under the pressure and start a new chapter on her own.
Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield were once one of the nation's favourite TV partnerships (Getty Images)"This is a huge opportunity for both Holly and Phil to move on from 20 years on the same show," PR expert Carla Speight tells the Mirror.
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"20 years is a really long time, it sets expectations with an audience and offers little room for mixing things up and trying new things. But this separation offers them the chance to showcase their talents individually."
Holly had already been building her own individual brand prior to Phil's This Morning departure, with the presenter parting ways with Phil’s agents YMU Group and starting her own PR group three years ago.
The savvy star, who has brand deals with Marks & Spencers and Garnier, also launched her own wellness venture last year, Wylde Moon.
"For Holly, this is a huge opportunity for her to show TV viewers and execs what she’s made of," Carla continues when discussing Holly's future.
Holly launched Wylde Moon at the start of last year and has been selling things like candles online (Dave Benett/Getty Images for Wyl)
The presenter now has 'has a wide range of opportunities' following Phil's This Morning exit (wyldemoon.co.uk)"When she gets back after her break, it will feel like the pressure is on for her to take the show forward. But she thrives under pressure. Live TV and unpredictability have been a huge part of her career and it’s where we see her at her best.
"So whilst it might feel like the pressure is on, she’s got nothing to worry about. She also has a wide range of opportunities, like Phil, her CV has a variety of hit shows, from kids’ TV to comedy panel shows and more sensitive topics too."
Carla adds: "They’re both versatile presenters and this isn't going to stop them from shining. They also have a huge opportunity with brand deals, both have proven themselves more than capable of working with brands and making a success of it.
"Right now they are no doubt in the planning stages of what’s next for them and it’s bound to be fantastic. They’re too professional and good at their jobs for it not to be."
Phil confirmed he would not be returning to This Morning via a statement issued over the weekend.
Holly and Phil hosted their final episode of This Morning together on ThursdayWriting on his Instagram Stories on Saturday, Phil told his followers: "I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently This Morning itself has become the story.
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"Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind.
"I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on and I want to do what I can to protect the show I love. So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope the show can move forward to a bright future.
"I’d like to thank everyone who supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month."
Holly also took to her Instagram Stories shortly after to acknowledge his statement and thank her one-time best friend for his knowledge.
"It’s been over 13 great years presenting This Morning with Phil and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all of his knowledge, his experience and his humour," she wrote over a peach background.
"The sofa won’t feel the same without him."