An ex-boss at ITV has branded Holly Willoughby as 'damaged goods' following the fallout from Phillip Schofield's departure from This Morning.
After 20 years working on the show, Schofield announced that he was stepping away from the hit daytime series.
While at the time, no reason was given for him leaving the show, it later came out that he had previously had an affair with a much younger runner.
Advert
In a statement, Schofield admitted to the affair, which he described as 'unwise' but 'not illegal', confirming that it had ended.
As a result, the media spotlight has been on those who worked alongside Schofield over the years regarding what they knew about the relationship between the pair.
Willoughby said in a statement of her own that she was shocked by the revelations and had no idea what was going on.
However, despite her assurances, Ian McCulloch, former commercial director at ITV, said she should no longer host the programme.
Advert
"I do absolutely agree that none of the on-screen talent, well, those two, they cannot be associated with the show," he told GB News, echoing Eamonn Holmes' comments.
"She's damaged goods. They need a fresh start. I’m not sure that the talent that they've got, sort of running through at the minute is the right talent.
"But I think the show is a good show, but you certainly can't have those two.
"There is so much more to come out in this story. And I don't think her statements are particularly plausible, though it looks as though she's clinging on. I think they need to make a clean break and just move the show on."
Advert
McCulloch said several ITV shows were 'starting to look tired' and 'need resting'.
"It's happened again, the creative control isn't there," he said. "They haven't refreshed the show.
"We've got it in peak time with ITV, where you can see some shows are starting to look tired and they need resting
Advert
"I think from the public's point of view, this almost looks like an episode of Love Island. You put a bunch of egomaniacs together and see what's going to explode, and over time this has exploded."
This comes after sources claimed that Willoughby still wanted to present the show, and would be returning to our screens next week.
The source told the Sun: "She has made it clear she was one of the people Phil lied to and she has nothing to hide.
"She will return to This Morning as planned on Monday and carry on like the professional she is.
Advert
"Holly has been affected by Phil's actions and it has been very difficult. She is devoted to This Morning however and will continue to do the best job she can for them."
LADbible has contacted Holly Willoughby's representatives for a comment.
Featured Image Credit: GB News / ITVTopics: Phillip Schofield, This Morning, UK News, ITV, TV and Film, Holly Willoughby