Amanda Holden confronted Phillip Schofield over suspicions he got her axed as Holly Willoughby’s stand-in on This Morning, it has been reported.
The Britain’s Got Talent judge, 47, is said to have clashed with the 56-year-old presenter on the set of the ITV daytime show.
Allegedly, Amanda had been initially offered the high-profile role filling in for Holly while she is in Australia filming I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
Read more: Amanda Holden launches fund in memory of stillborn son Theo
But the offer was apparently withdrawn at the last minute, despite her having hosted the show numerous times alongside Phillip as cover for Holly.
The actress was reportedly told that the host was a major reason for ITV’s change of heart.
It’s claimed she took the chance to speak to Phillip about it during an ad break when she appeared as a guest on This Morning on October 8.
Read more: Amanda Holden defends walking off BGT stage after being soaked by act
A source told The Sun: “She was shocked when she was taken out to lunch by ITV executives who told her that unfortunately they couldn’t follow through with the offer.
“During the lunch they let slip they thought the decision had been heavily influenced by Phil and that he had thrown a spanner in the works.
“She was understandably upset. Not only had she cleared her work calendar to fit in the dates but she couldn’t understand why Phil might not want her to be his co-host, as she thought they had a great personal and pro relationship.”
The meeting is believed to have take place several weeks before ITV officially announced The Saturdays’ Rochelle Humes, who has previously hosted This Morning alongside husband Marvin, as guest presenter in Holly’s absence.
Phillip reportedly didn’t have adequate time to respond to Amanda when she confronted him because he was about to go back on air.
It is understood This Morning’s production crew inadvertently overheard their conversation as she was still wearing her microphone.
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During her appearance on October 8, Amanda gave an emotional interview to Phillip and Holly about the tragic stillbirth of son Theo and how she was honouring his memory with a new fund.
A spokeswoman for This Morning declined to comment when approached by Entertainment Daily.
We have contacted Amanda and Phillip’s reps.
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