So what’s next for Phillip Schofield?
Mail on Sunday
PR master Mark Borkowski told MailOnline that ITV are certain to be considering whether to axe Phil as his brand turns ‘toxic’.
He told MailOnline: ‘He’s an ageing talent. These are rocky times for him and there is a rift with his TV partner. And Holly Willoughby can do no wrong.
‘He’s been dogged by so many negative stories – and actually it doesn’t help him that so little is said by his friend Holly. She’s staying quiet and allowing it to percolate.
‘Every celebrity publicist knows that there is a date stamp, a best before date, tattooed on the rump of their clients. There have been rumours in the industry for some time about whether or not Phil can continue.
Mr Borkowski said that Holly and Phillip are in a PR battle. He believes it is telling that Ms Willoughby has remained silent after her co-host’s brother was convicted of child sex offences, and his statement about their friendship last night.
‘After the conviction of his brother, ITV will now be looking at his value and seeing so many negatives. They have even been trying people on screen who want to step into his shoes.’.
Mr Borkowski said that Holly is in a tricky position and can’t risk being dragged down with Schofield with ‘queuegate’ also hanging over her.