As the future of This Morning is still under threat, Holly Willoughby, Alison Hammond, Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle snub ITV’s first summer party since Phillip Schofield’s exit
This Morning’s biggest stars Holly Willoughby and Alison Hammond snubbed ITV’s summer party as the show fights for its survival following the Phillip Schofield scandal.
The programme’s hosts Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle were also absent, along with its editor Martin Frizell. The only This Morning representative was Dermot O’Leary who has been hosting alongside Holly, as well as Alison, since Schofield’s departure in May.
Instead, Holly was seen in Portugal where she has a lavish villa next door to her former best friend Schofield.
The annual party, which was held at London’s five-star Mandrake hotel, was thrown by ITV’s under fire chief executive Carolyn McCall.
An ITV insider told MailOnline: ‘We keep being told what a close-knit family there is a This Morning and how they are so desperate to keep the show going but then only one of its stars turn up to the party.
This Morning’s biggest stars Holly Willoughby and Alison Hammond snubbed ITV’s summer party as the show fights for its survival following the Phillip Schofield scandal
The programme’s hosts Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle were also absent, along with its editor Martin Frizell
Josie, who supported Holly when she addressed the nation following Phil’s controversial departure, was not in attendance at the annual event on Wednesday
Holly told viewers in May that she alongside Alison, Dermot, Josie and Craig would do everything they can to restore the ‘magic’ lost from This Morning following Phil’s sudden exit
‘Compared to previous years, the party wasn’t anywhere near as lively, the absence of some of the bigger ITV names wasn’t lost on anybody and the vibe felt subdued.
‘The party was held with the Phil saga still fresh in people’s minds, which had an impact on the talent from This Morning attending.’
Other notable absentees include Rochelle and Marvin Humes, who have previously hosted the ITV programme, chef Clodagh McKenna, and regular contributor Gyles Brandreth.
ITV big hitters such as Good Morning Britain’s Susanna Reid, Richard Madeley and Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden also skipped the party.
Reality favourites Olivia Attwood, Georgia Harrison, and Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu did attend the event alongside a number of TOWIE stars.
The stars of This Morning could have thoroughly enjoyed the night as they weren’t needed at work today with ITV airing the Women’s World Cup in replacement of the daytime show.
Last year, Alison did attend the summer event, smiling in shades and a sunhat as she arrived at The Mandrake Hotel while Holly has avoided the bash since 2015.
Yesterday Holly was seen soaking up the sun on the Algarve where she was dressed in a pair of denim shorts and a white blouse.
The only This Morning representative was Dermot O’Leary who has been hosting alongside Holly, as well as Alison, since Schofield’s departure in May
Reality favourites Olivia Attwood, Georgia Harrison, and Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu did attend the event alongside a number of TOWIE stars
Last year, Alison did attend the summer event, smiling in shades and a sunhat as she arrived at The Mandrake Hotel (pictured in July 2022)
Other notable absentees include Rochelle and Marvin Humes, who have previously hosted the ITV programme, chef Clodagh McKenna, and regular contributor Gyles Brandreth (pictured)
She is holidaying with her TV producer husband Dan Baldwin and their three children Harry, Belle and Chester.
Holly is currently on her annual leave, which she started early following the death of Dan’s mother earlier this month.
In the aftermath of the Phil scandal, which saw the long serving presenter stand down from the broadcaster after admitting to having an affair with a younger colleague, Holly addressed the nation live on This Morning.
She said: ‘Firstly, are you okay? I hope so. It feels very strange indeed sitting here without Phil and I imagine that you might have been feeling a lot like I have… shaken, troubled, let down, worried for the wellbeing of people on all sides of what’s been going on and full of questions.
‘You, me, and all of us at This Morning gave our love and support to someone that was not telling the truth, who acted in a way that they themselves felt they had to resign from ITV and step down from a career that they loved… that is a lot to process.
‘It is equally hard to see the toll it has taken on their own mental health. I think what unites us all now the desire to heal for the health and wellbeing of everyone.
‘I hope that as we start this new chapter and get back to a place of warmth and magic that this show holds for all of us, we can find strength in each other.
‘From my heart can I say thank you for all your kind messages and thank you for being here this morning. Myself, Josie, Dermot, Alison, Craig and every single person that works on this show will continue to work hard every single day to bring you the show that we love.’
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