A deep rift has emerged between former This Morning co-hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.
Once inseparable, their friendship soured after Schofield admitted to an affair with a younger male colleague.
Schofield, who quit his TV roles, now reportedly refers to Willoughby as "the witch" among friends, even using the hatted hag emoji when discussing her.
A source revealed to The Sun: "He dislikes Holly so much now he calls her 'the witch' when talking about her and sends the emoji to his mates if she comes up. He messaged Holly and told her, 'You brought me down.' He was furious and still is."
The tension began when Willoughby addressed This Morning fans, expressing feelings of being "shaken, troubled, let down," and "worried" for Schofield and the younger male. She also stated Schofield hadn't been truthful with friends, colleagues, and fans.
Schofield felt betrayed by Willoughby's lack of public support. A pal told the Mirror: "He knew his future on the program was doomed the minute Holly didn't show support for him... Believing in the TV chemistry was the bedrock of the This Morning format."
Willoughby allegedly refused Schofield's request for a show of support or a joint photo, citing ITV bosses' advice not to "feed the narrative." Schofield messaged two senior ITV bosses, claiming Willoughby and a This Morning boss had staged a "very well constructed coup" against him.
A source said: "Phillip considered her a friend, his TV sister as he called her, and always backed her, even recommending her to do the jungle. Her lack of public support was a low blow in his eyes."