Rob Beckett takes a dig at ITV’s Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield

Beckett was joined by Romesh Ranganathan as the comedy duo presented the TV awards in what was one of the biggest nights on British television.

Speaking to the audience at the beginning of the show, Beckett said, “Imelda Staunton is here. It’s exciting, isn’t it?

“She’s nominated for her performance in The Crown. Apparently Phil and Holly got to see this a few days before everyone else.”

Congratulations to everyone from tonight #BAFTATVAwards with @pandocruises Winner! 🌟

Click on the link below to view the full list 👇 pic.twitter.com/PGVdOApNpC

— BAFTA (@BAFTA) May 14, 2023

As the crowd giggled reluctantly, Ranganathan added, “A little thrill for you guys.”

Beckett’s quip was in reference to the ITV couple, who were accused of “queuing” to see the late Queen Elizabeth II laid in state at Westminster Hall last year, prompting Willoughby and Schofield to lash out received backlash from the public.

This Morning’s Phillip Schofield could be fired from ITV, a source says

It comes as Willoughby and Schofield recently made headlines after reports suggested a “fight” broke out between them.

Further reports also suggest that ITV bosses were angered after Schofield publicly commented on the “discord” between the two.

The hit TV star previously referred to Willoughby as his “rock” but said the past few weeks “haven’t been easy for any of us”.

It has been suggested that the statement was a PR ‘own goal’, which it turns out neither Willoughby nor ITV knew about.

A source told The mirror that things got worse, adding: “This Morning’s relationship with its viewers is built on trust and they have to believe that Holly [Holly Willoughby] and phils [Phillip Schofield] Friendship and what they see is real.

“While there was a bit of noise and speculation about their relationship cooling off, it could have easily been ignored.

Kate Lawler is living our Mamma Mia dream! 😍 pic.twitter.com/faIvCkSx5U

– This morning (@thismorning) May 14, 2023

“But by posting that statement, he turned a manageable situation into a binge eating. If viewers stop believing in the couple now and are making their views clear next week, make no mistake: ITV will act.

“Phil’s situation looks increasingly precarious. Monday is very much D-Day, but so could any day next week. Nobody is bigger than the brand.”

The source added that reports of the duo’s dwindling relationship are “massively exaggerated.”

“Yes, they’re not as friends as they used to be, but any suggestion that they had fallen out and weren’t talking out of thin air was false.

“While Phil’s public statement had no meaning, it has now created that perception and if that resonates with viewers, it’s over.”