In the world of television, friendships can quickly turn sour, and that seems to be the case for Phillip Schofield and his former co-host Holly Willoughby.
Recently, it has come to light that Schofield has been harshly criticizing both Willoughby and their bosses at ITV, referring to them as the “three s**ts of showbiz.”
This revelation came from friends close to Schofield, who disclosed that he even calls Willoughby “the witch” in private conversations.
Schofield’s Public Comeback
During his recent appearance on Channel 5’s Castaway, Schofield, 62, didn’t mince words, expressing his frustrations without naming names.
However, friends have confirmed that Willoughby is indeed one of the targets of his anger.
Schofield allegedly accused her of “bringing me down” in a furious message.
An expert commenting on the situation mentioned that Schofield seems to be at war with Willoughby, suggesting that he’s attempting to undermine her and anyone involved in his exit from ITV.
A Shift in Allegiances
Brand and culture expert Nick Ede weighed in, stating that Schofield feels he has nothing left to lose and is intent on retaliating against those he feels have wronged him.
According to insiders, the other two figures in his crosshairs are Martin Frizell, the long-time editor of This Morning, and Emma Gormley, ITV’s managing director of daytime programming.
Schofield believes Frizell orchestrated a plot to oust him from the show following the incarceration of his brother, Tim, for serious crimes.
The Breakdown of Friendship
Once best friends, Schofield and Willoughby’s relationship has taken a turn for the worse.
Friends of Schofield shared that he holds Willoughby accountable for not supporting him publicly during his fall from grace, leading to a bitter rift.
Reports suggest that he even reported her to senior ITV executives after she declined to stand by him during his troubles.
A Strategic PR Battle
As Schofield’s story unfolds, it appears he is launching a PR campaign against Willoughby and ITV, which some experts believe could backfire.
Ede commented that while Schofield is openly expressing his grievances, Willoughby is likely to remain composed, choosing not to engage in public mudslinging.
This dynamic could very well lead to more fallout for Schofield, whose reputation has already suffered significantly.
The Impact of Personal Struggles
Following his departure from This Morning last May, Schofield’s personal and professional life has been under scrutiny.
The tension between him and Willoughby, who he once considered a sister in the industry, has only deepened.
After admitting to an affair with a younger colleague, Schofield left ITV, and his previous closeness with Willoughby appears to have become a distant memory.
Accusations of Betrayal
Schofield reportedly sent Willoughby a WhatsApp message accusing her of contributing to his downfall.
He was disappointed that she didn’t publicly back him and expressed his feelings in an emotional exchange.
However, Willoughby responded that she was unaware of the situation’s complexities, and sources say Schofield became increasingly frustrated, feeling betrayed.
Revisiting Their History
Friends of Willoughby argue that she had every reason to distance herself from Schofield after revelations about his dishonesty regarding his affair.
The fallout has led many to wonder how they went from being inseparable colleagues to bitter rivals.
Their shared history includes family vacations and years of support, making this dramatic turn all the more shocking.
The Broader Narrative
While the media continues to report on the fallout, insiders reveal that Schofield may be trying to deflect blame for his own actions onto Willoughby.
Critics have pointed out that attributing his career struggles to her is misguided, especially considering he was the one who misled his colleagues and the public.
Many believe that the focus should remain on his choices rather than shifting blame to those he once called friends.
A Complex Situation
As this story continues to unfold, the dynamics between Schofield, Willoughby, and ITV remain fraught.
Schofield’s public comments and the fallout from his past decisions have put a spotlight on a complicated situation involving personal relationships, professional integrity, and public perception.
With tensions high, fans of both personalities are left to wonder what the future holds for their once-beloved duo.
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