BOSSES: MORNING IS NOT BROKEN

ITV chiefs fight to save programme from the axe | Claims of toxic' culture and 'bullying' behind scenes

- EMMELINE SAUNDERS, MARK JEFFERIES, ASHLEIGH RAINBIRD

ITV is facing a battle to save This Morning amid calls for it to be axed over the Phillip Schofield affair fallout and claims of a toxic culture on the show.

Bosses fear This Morning's brand has been "tarnished" by Schofield's admission that he had a relationship with a young male colleague in 2020.

Reports of a feud with his co-host Holly Willoughby have not helped but yesterday she said she is not throwing in the towel yet.

The 42-year-old is determined to stay on the show, and is due back on the sofa on June 5.

A source said: "Holly wants to stay at This Morning as long as she can, and hopes to ride out the scandal.

Other stars like Stephen Mulhern are being approached to fill in for Phil when she returns. Some are reluctant to go in and face angry viewers.

"Holly is determined to stay put the only reason she would leave now is if This Morning is axed. She has absolutely no plans to leave." Rumours about Schofield's affair were investigated at the time, but no evidence was found. Questions over the thoroughness of that probe were raised after 61-year-old Schofield finally admitted the affair on Friday.

A source told the Mirror: "The next few weeks will be a desperate bid to save the show - and the jobs of the execs. Fingers are being pointed at the top brass, even though he admitted he lied to all of them.

"The show's wholesome image is clearly tarnished, but bullish ITV execs are not going to just throw the baby out with the bath water.