Holly Willoughby threatened to go AWOL on This Morning according to reports, warning ITV that she wouldn’t show up for work after news of Phillip Schofield’s affair emerged.

The scandal has resurfaced thanks to Phillip’s upcoming appearance on Channel 5’s Cast Away, which will see him deserted on a remote Madagascan island for 10 days, with nothing but cameras to keep him company. But the disgraced TV presenter appears to be using the show as an opportunity to ‘have his say’ before he ‘bows out’, with speculation growing that it will be is last TV appearance after laying low for the last 16 months.

Phillip spends 10 days marooned on a desert island ( 
Image:
PA)

But now, it appears TV execs have reportedly hit back after news of Phillip’s new show was revealed, and his comments about ITV and his former colleagues start to emerge. Although the series doesn’t start until Monday evening, some media outlets have reported what is said in the three-part series, including a few thinly veiled digs at his old boss and also former colleague and ex-best mate, Holly Willoughby.

When rumours of Phillip’s “unwise but not illegal” affair started to spread, ITV execs asked the presenter repeatedly if he was having an affair, claiming he was “looking them in the eye” while denying it, The Times reports. But after Holly reportedly felt Phillip had withheld details of his brother’s arrest for sexual offences, she started to threaten not to show up to work if Phillip was still there. A source told the paper: “She didn’t want it to go public but people had sniffed out last year that they were no longer friends.”

Their rift got so bad, that according to a source, Kevin Lygo – head of television – was grilled by MPs with Phillip continuing to firmly deny the affair. It was even suggested to Phillip that he step down from This Morning with Holly and continue with his other commitments, but he went on to admit to the affair, which one ITV boss describes as a “power discrepancy”.

ITV declined to comment on the new allegations when approached by the Mirror.

Nearly two years after after the scandal rocked the showbiz world, Phil’s dramatic return will no doubt cause ruptures once again.

Speaking about his new role, a source told The Sun: “Over the past few months Phil has had quite a few offers for various things – but has steadfastly turned them all down.

“This sort of challenge has always appealed to him though and after consulting with friends and family, he decided to go for it. “It’s all been top secret, and has been an incredibly quick turnaround in order to keep the news quiet.”

They added: “With 10 days to himself, no camera crews or production around, he shot some unbelievably raw footage – some of it makes for tough, emotional viewing. But he wanted a chance to share his story, unedited and honest, and let viewers see another side to him.”

Mirror Online has reached out to Holly’s reps for comment on this story.