Phillip Schofield’s ‘replacement’ to be This Morning favourite if he’s axed

Alison and Dermot open Friday’s edition of This Morning

Phillip Schofield is likely to be replaced by This Morning favourite Dermot O’Leary if bosses choose to axe him, claim insiders.

Following rumours of a feud between Phillip and his co-host Holly Willoughby, sources say Dermot is the “ideal replacement”.

They claimed: “Phil’s contract is up for renewal at the end of this year and as it stands, there are a number of people working on the show who think it’s time for a shake-up.”

They added to The Sun: “It is still a long way off and anything could happen but there is no hiding Dermot’s popularity – or his close relationship with Holly.”

Express.co.uk has contacted ITV for comment.

It comes after Phillip issued a statement insisting his friendship with Holly was rock solid.

He posted: “As I have said before, Holly is my rock.

“We’re the best of friends — as always, she is an incredible support on screen, behind the scenes and on the phone.

“Holly has always been there for me, through thick and thin. And I’ve been there for her. The last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us.

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“And Holly’s support throughout meant the world to me, as did the support of my bosses at ITV, my editor Martin Frizell and the whole This Morning family, including our amazing viewers.

“And of course, Holly has herself been ill with shingles.”

Holly has not spoken out on the rumours of a feud and is said to have been “blindsided” by Phillip’s statement.

Sources claimed Holly saw it as a “betrayal” he did not keep a dignified silence.

They told MailOnline: “The statement came out of nowhere for Holly and it was upsetting. What a betrayal.

“It feels like he Phil is looking after himself here, with no regard for her.”

The pair have been missing from a teaser for This Morning prompting fans to worry they will not be back on screens next week.

This Morning airs weekdays on ITV from 10am.

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