Morninggate - Daily Mail: Phil will avoid watching Holly's 'triggering' return to This Morning

Story from Daily Mail:

Phillip Schofield won't tune in to watch his former 'best friend' and co-host Holly Willoughby return to the This Morning sofa today as it would be too 'triggering' for him, friends claimed last night.

Allies of the 61-year-old, who was axed by bosses at ITV after revelations he had lied about an affair with male colleague, say even watching the opening credits could prove too distressing for him as he comes to terms with leaving the show he had fronted since 2002.

It comes as Holly returns to the This Morning sofa later today with questions being asked over whether she will mention her former co-host's name while she delivers an 'honest personal statement' about the scandal.

Insiders claim she is 'apprehensive' about getting back in front of the camera, but is 'determined to steer the show through these unprecedented times' that have engulfed one of the channel's most popular programmes.

Nearly one million people could tune in to watch her return to the couch alongside Josie Gibson after Schofield revealed she had ignored his texts to her begging for forgiveness.

Holly, who was on holiday with her family in Portugal last week, is believed to have written the speech herself and emotions are set to run high when she reads it out live on air.

A source told the Mirror: 'She was naturally apprehensive about getting back after her extended break. So much has happened and it's been one storm after another.

'But she needn't worry as the team are behind her.

'Everyone is desperately hoping her speech draws a line under the matter, at least until the barrister-led review comes back 

'Expect an outpouring of emotion as she returns, and a lot of tears and hugs.'

A source close to the star told the Mail: 'Holly's return is a signal that she is determined to steer the show through these unprecedented times. Her priority is now to make the programme for the viewers watching at home. It's a new chapter for her but also for the fans.

'She knows how she addresses the situation is really important for them so she has asked several people for their thoughts so she can make sure it is absolutely right.

'But how to deal with the issue of Phil, his departure from the show and his relationship with their former colleague, is something she has found very difficult. As of last night the final words hadn't been decided on.'

But there will be no return in the morning for Schofield, who was seen with his mother on Friday, May 19, as he was told he was no longer wanted by ITV.

The popular show has a loyal following, and despite being out of work, friends of Schofield say he won't be watching today.

A friend of the father-of-two told The Sun: '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.'

Even though she is not speaking to him anymore following the fallout of the scandal, Schofield does support Holly and wants her to 'shine and smash it', insiders told The Sun.

The furore which has surrounded Schofield has threatened to engulf This Morning, with ITV getting set to introduce 'heavy vetting' of public callers to protect presenters from outbursts over the scandal.

Production staff will take on the important role of screening callers, as audience interaction segments are also to be paused to avoid any abuse being sent towards presenters.

It comes as Holly prepares an 'honest and personal statement' to address the departure of her former co-star, who recently admitted he had lied about an affair with a younger male colleague, as she returns to the programme on today.

Her return to the sofa, accompanied by former guest host Josie Gibson, will mark a permanent change to the line-up as viewers face an altered show, with fewer opportunities to feel included by live presenters.

It was also reported today that Holly is being courted by BBC bosses as they look to lure her away from ITV.

And on the eve of her on-screen return she posted a cryptic message urging others to 'maintain a positive perspective'.

Uploading a snap of the 'Strawberry Moon' on her wellness page Wylde Moon page, the full post read: 'This Full 'Strawberry' Moon in Sagittarius brings with it a zest for life.

'The guiding influence of this fire sign combined with Jupiter encourages you to maintain a positive perspective and to tune into your finest qualities.

'Inspire. Renew. Believe.'