Strictly Come Dancing bosses have reportedly set their sights on Phillip Schofield, following his departure from This Morning.
On Saturday, the TV presenter announced he was stepping down as co-host of the morning show with immediate effect, after 21 years at the helm.
The news came amid reports of an ongoing “feud” between Phillip and his co-host and longtime friend Holly Willoughby.
A source has since told The UK Sun: “Phil is in the sights of Strictly”.
“They would love to have him on board because of the publicity it would generate for the show.”
“Phil has been asked before but this time the offer was more aggressive,” the source continued. “Since he was axed from This Morning, people have been discussing what they could do with him.”
“Phil has had approaches from broadcasters like Channel 5 who are keen to discuss possible projects.”
The source continued: “Given he’s currently lying low and trying to work out his next move, it’s unlikely he will put on his dancing shoes but stranger things have happened.”
“No one thought he’d ever leave This Morning and look how that ended up.”
It comes amid reports that Phillip’s Dancing on Ice presenting gig is up in the air.
An ITV spokesperson recently told Metro of the speculation that “further announcements” will be made in “due course,” adding: “Dancing On Ice isn’t due on ITV until January 2024 and the series is not currently in production.”
Phillip announced his departure from This Morning in a statement shared to his Instagram story on Saturday.
He wrote: “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,” Phillip added.
Holly then said in a statement: “Hi guys. It’s been over 13 great years presenting This Morning with Phil and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all of his knowledge, his experience and his humour.”
“The sofa won’t feel the same without him,” she added.
A source has since told The UK Sun that Phillip is “completely broken” by his decision to step down from This Morning.
A source told the publication: “Phil has been given his This Morning wages for six months — but if that was meant to make him feel better, it’s just not working.”
“Phil feels he has been shown zero respect and he is devastated by how this has played out,” the insider continued.
“He thinks the way he was forced to step down was so unjust and he feels completely broken by how this situation has been handled.”
“This Morning was Phil’s life and now he feels he has been knifed without proper consultation. Phil consulted his mum Pat and his ex-wife Stephanie before agreeing to step back.”
“It was only after they’d had these discussions that Phil said he would agree to leave.”
“Phil has dedicated over 20 years to that show and for it all to end this way has been incredibly upsetting for him,” the source added.
“He is incredibly close to them both and wanted to gauge their thoughts. Phil also spoke with his daughters, Molly — who is a talent agent at his management company YMU — and Ruby.”
