Phillip Schofield "will not be watching Holly Willoughby's Monday This Morning return", a friend of the former presenter has claimed.
Phillip, 61, stepped down from the show last month, following which he confessed to having had an "unwise but not illegal" affair with a much younger male colleague.
After his resignation, it was announced that his former co-star Holly, 42, would be taking an extended half-term break. She is set to make her return, without Phillip, on Monday morning.
And while the nation's eyes may be watching to see her return, one person who "won't be tuning in" is Phillip himself, claims one of his friends.
Speaking to The Sun, a friend of the former This Morning presenter said: "He physically could not watch — he's not there yet. Even listening to the opening credits would be hugely triggering.
"His family is being incredibly careful not to have the TV on when he’s in the room to ensure he doesn’t see anything.
"Of course he is aware Holly is back on air today and he absolutely wanted her to shine, and smash it. But he physically could not watch — he is not there yet."
Holly, who has said she is "very hurt" after Phillip "lied" to her about the affair, will be joined on the sofa by Josie Gibson.
Upon her return to the morning show, Holly is set to "address the Phillip scandal with honesty".
Holly is reportedly said to be prepared that she might get emotional, but that she wants to tackle the Phillip issue head-on.
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