PHILLIP Schofield has hit out that he was "hung out to dry" by ITV after he was axed from This Morning, insiders have revealed.
The TV host was axed from the daytime show minutes after coming on air on Thursday - before he was denied the chance to wave goodbye to his fans.
Phillip, 61, was told by show chief Martin Frizzel that his contract due to end this summer, was not being renewed.
He went on to confirm his exit from This Morning yesterday in a social media post after weeks of speculation about his future and a feud with co-host Holly Willoughby.
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His lengthy statement thanked his "supporters" as he gushed over wanting to "protect" the ITV show and those working on it.
However, insiders have now revealed that the star hit out behind-the-scenes that he had been "hung out to dry" by Holly, 42, and ITV.
According to The Mirror, a source said: "Phil’s fate was decided on Friday. It was a unanimous decision that he had to go."
“It has all been worked out in the smoothest way possible, but behind the scenes he has told friends he has been hung out to dry," they added.
"His friendship with Holly is now in tatters. It is hard to see how it could recover.
"The fact he chose to pointedly thank people who supported him – and the viewers – without mentioning her says it all.”
Yesterday, Phillip was spotted looking stony-faced as he was seen for the first time since he left his role on This Morning.
He was pictured walking with his elderly mum Pat, 85, on a coastal path in Cornwall following his shock statement.
Tensions between Phillip and Holly, 42, led to the star stepping back from his high-profile role on the ITV daytime show.
The presenting pair saw their once-close relationship crumble in recent weeks.
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The Sun revealed earlier this week that Phillip faced the axe from This Morning amid a “seismic” summer shake-up.
Phillip 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 what has supported me - especially This Morning's amazing viewers - and I'll see you all for the Soap Awards next month."
