Phillip Schofield is reportedly fighting to save his longtime television presenting gig on This Morning amid his reported rift with co-host Holly Willoughby.
The pair have been at the centre of feud rumours, with reports emerging earlier this week that they were "barely speaking," with Phil going on to make a statement hoping to mend the broken relationship with the blonde.
And now, insiders have claimed that ITV bosses will not hesitate to act fast if they feel his on-screen chemistry with Holly has been ruined.
The Mirror has also claimed that the network was fuming that the 61 year old went public on the rift with his statement that they knew nothing about, adding: "Monday is very much D-day."
The publication alleged that ITV and Holly believe Phil's statement made the situation much worse, with the insider adding: "This Morning's relationship with its viewers is built on trust, and they have to believe that Holly and Phil's friendship, and what they're watching, is real."
Adding that the "noise and speculation" over their friendship "could have easily been ignored", they continued: "But by putting this statement out there, he has turned what was a manageable situation into a feeding frenzy. If viewers now no longer believe in the pair, and make their views clear next week, make no mistake, ITV will act.
"Phil's position is looking increasingly precarious. Monday is very much D-day, but the same could apply to any day next week. No one is bigger than the brand."
It was also reported that while they "weren't as chummy as before", reports of backstage tension were "massively overblown", but Phil's statement has now "created the perception" of excessive drama, which producers of the show will not be happy about if it spills on to the screen.
OK! has contacted representatives for Phillip and This Morning for comment.
Phil's official statement earlier this week read: "The last few weeks haven't been easy for either of us." He continued: "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."
Holly is said to have been left blindsided by Phillip's statement, with a source close to the much-loved presenting powerhouse telling the Daily Mail that Holly had no idea Phillip was going to make a statement.
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