Nadine Dorries feels no ‘pity’ for Phillip Schofield (Picture: TalkTV/ITV)
Nadine Dorries has blasted This Morning host Phillip Schofield, and accused his on-screen relationship with Holly Willoughby as being ‘fake’.
The duo, who began presenting the ITV daytime programme together in 2009, were in recent weeks said to be ‘barely speaking’ behind-the-scenes and that their relationship had ‘cooled’.
As rumours swirled, Phil, 61, and Holly, 42, continued putting on a united front on the This Morning sofa, with Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary taking over for their usual Friday slot.
On Saturday, Phil announced he was stepping back, just days after reports escalated to claims that he was ‘refusing to quit This Morning’, as one source called the situation a ‘runaway train that cannot be stopped’, despite himself insisting that he and Holly are ‘still the best of friends’.
It has since been revealed that Holly, who is taking an early half-term break, will go on to continue This Morning with other members of the team, with Alison and Dermot taking over in the meantime.
Having previously accused Phil of ‘intimidating behaviour’ while saying he ‘scares’ her, former culture secretary Nadine has now launched another scathing attack.
Holly Willoughby and Phil were said to be ‘barely speaking’ (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
She wrote: ‘Holly, get a grip. You should admit the truth: that you could not bear to fake it a day longer sitting next to Phillip.
‘Schofield has a track record of making enemies and upsetting people with whom he has worked, from Fern Britton to Ruth Langsford.’
Writing in her Daily Mail column, she said: ‘Sorry, but I don’t feel a shred of pity for him.
‘In the end, as my grandmother used to say, it all comes out in the wash.
‘I doubt we have heard the last of the Schofield saga, no matter how many times he attempts to clean up his image.
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The former culture secretary claimed it will ‘all come out in the wash’ (Picture: TalkTV)
‘What I am sure of, though, is that in due course we will know more about what was really going on — and why, after more than 20 years, Schofield left the show so suddenly.’
The 65-year-old elsewhere continued by saying Phil was ‘always looking in vain for the “gotcha” moment: the clip that would go viral and propel him and his ego to the top of the day’s news.’
Addressing reports that Phil is ‘broken’ since his departure, she added: ‘Schofield dug his heels in until the very end, refusing to leave.’
Announcing his departure, Phil wrote at the time: ‘I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.
‘Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind.
Phil announced his departure after more than 20 years (Picture: Instagram)
Holly will continue presenting This Morning (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
‘I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love.’
Phil’s statement continued: ‘So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future.
‘I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month.’
Holly added in a statement: ‘It’s been over 13 great years presenting This Morning with Phil and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all of his knowledge, his experience and his humour.
‘The sofa won’t feel the same without him.’
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1.
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MORE : This Morning bosses ‘feared on-air sabotage by guests’ if Phillip Schofield stayed
‘It all comes out in the wash.’
