This Morning bosses decided it would be ‘irresponsible’ to put Phillip Schofield back on air, insiders say (Picture: ITV)

At least four celebrities plotted to ambush Phillip Schofield live on This Morning over allegations about his behaviour, reports have claimed.

Over the weekend, Phil, 61, announced that he has stepped down from presenting duties with ‘immediate effect’ following a reported rift between his co-host Holly Willoughby, 42.

It also came after his brother, Timothy Schofield, was jailed for 12 years after being convicted of child sex offences.

Phil’s exit was briefly addressed by Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary on today’s episode, with the pair stating that he was ‘one of the best live television broadcasters this country has ever had’.

Before his last episode, however, the Mail Online claims at least four household name stars had ‘plotted to ambush the scandal-plagued presenter live on air about a series of allegations about his behaviour, without the knowledge of show producers’.

Phil, 61, presented his last episode of This Morning last week before stepping down over the weekend (Picture: ITV)

The ITV daytime show paid tribute to Phil on Monday’s episode after he served as a host for more than 20 years (Picture: ITV)

The publication alleges that bosses of the ITV daytime programme were not aware of the identity of those stars and regulars, making it ‘impossible to risk such a reputationally damaging moment that would have gone viral around the world’.

An ITV source told the outlet: ‘The growing paranoia about what could go wrong was engulfing the management. They got through four days without any major disasters, even though it was obvious Holly and Phil’s friendship was over.

‘But if Holly had been put in the position of having to try and defend him from an attack on his reputation during the show by a regular or celebrity guest, it would have been an impossible position for her.

Phil confirmed he had exited This Morning with ‘immediate effect’ in a statement shared on Instagram (Picture: Instagram)

‘Everyone decided it would be irresponsible to put Phillip back on air, even for him to wish a final farewell to viewers. But that’s an extraordinary thing to do to a host after 20 years on air.’

Phil shared news of his This Morning departure in a post shared to his Instagram story, and said in a statement: ‘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.

‘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.

‘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.’

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While Monday’s episode was fronted by Alison and Dermot, it is not yet known who will present the show for the rest of the week.

ITV has said Holly will ‘co-present with members of the This Morning family’ when she returns to the studio on June 5.

Metro.co.uk has contacted This Morning for comment.

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‘Everyone decided it would be irresponsible to put Phillip back on air.’