Holly Willoughby ‘definitely won’t quit’ This Morning as she has ‘nothing to hide’

2023-06-02

Holly Willoughby will return to present This Morning next week and “carry on like the professional she is”.

She is due to return to the ITV show on Monday 5 June after the half-term break, having taken an early holiday after news of Phillip Schofield’s departure emerged.

Phillip, 61, resigned from the broadcaster on Friday and was dropped by his talent agency YMU after admitting to an “unwise but not illegal” affair with a younger male colleague.

On Wednesday, a source told The Sun of Holly: “She has made it clear she was one of the people Phil lied to and she has nothing to hide.

“She will return to This Morning as planned on Monday and carry on like the professional she is.

“Holly has been affected by Phil’s actions and it has been very difficult. She is devoted to This Morning, however, and will continue to do the best job she can for them.”

OK! has contacted Holly's representatives for comment.

On Saturday, Holly wrote on Instagram that it had “taken time to process yesterday’s news” following Phillip’s statement about his affair.

The 42 year old wrote: “When reports of this relationship first surfaced, I asked Phil directly if this was true and was told it was not. It’s been very hurtful to now find out that this was a lie.”

Holly’s return comes as This Morning has been plagued by allegations of “toxicity” since Phillip’s exit, with Eamonn Holmes – who used to host the show on Fridays with wife Ruth Langsford – alleging there was a “total cover-up” over the Phillip affair.

The show’s former resident doctor, Dr Ranj Singh, also hit out at the show’s “toxic” culture, saying he raised concerns about “bullying and discrimination” two years ago when he worked there and afterwards felt like he was “managed out” for whistleblowing.

Following Ranj's statement, an ITV spokesperson told The Mirror: "We are sorry to read Dr Ranj’s post today. At ITV we are fully committed to providing every opportunity for anyone who works with us to raise any concern or comments they may have. Following a complaint made by Dr Ranj, we appointed an external and independent advisor to carry out a review. This external review found no evidence of bullying or discrimination."

When This Morning aired on Monday, hosts Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond and contributor Gyles Brandreth appeared to defend the show from the toxicity allegations.

Eamonn has also said that Holly should follow Phillip Schofield “out the door” of This Morning.

Speaking on Dan Wootton’s GB News show on Monday morning, Eamonn said: “Not only should Phillip go, but Holly should follow him close out the door.

“I don’t think you will ever see Holly Willoughby back on the couch.

“There are people who say for her it’s not about what Phillip did, for her it’s not about protecting the young fellow involved or whatever.

“There are people who are financial experts who will say this is about brand protection with her. She’s got her company and she’s got advertising deals, which suspiciously looks like she’s trying to distance herself from Phillip to protect those.”

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