ITV deny claims they 'would consider replacing Phillip Schofield with Ben Shephard over Holly Willoughby chemistry' amid feud rumours

•  Sources claimed executives would be keen on signing the GMB star, 44, to fill in Phil's shoes
• Ben is said to have displayed on-screen chemistry with Holly, 38, while covering Phillip during the half-term break in late 2016
• ITV have denied they are considering Ben as a host  
• Phillip, 57, has been accused of creating a 'toxic atmosphere' on the set of This Morning 
• There are allegations of ongoing spats with Holly and This Morning stand-in hosts Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes
• On Monday's This Morning, fans claimed it seemed like the close duo had fallen out over something due to the tense atmosphere on screen 
• Body language expert Judi James told MailOnline that while it's unlikely the pair would display 'any of their any negative feelings on-screen', the 'bubbly' blonde adopted a 'more serious and adult demeanor' on the show
• An ITV spokesman said: ‘Phillip is a much respected broadcaster. This appears to be a desperate attempt to tarnish his reputation by maliciously motivated gossip’

ITV bosses have hit back at claims they considered replacing Phillip Schofield with Ben Shephard on this morning if Phillip ever decided to leave the show. 

Earlier in the month, the presenter, 57, was accused of creating a 'toxic atmosphere' for his daytime co-stars, with allegations of ongoing disagreements with Holly Willoughby and stand-in hosts Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes. 

It was since claimed that This Morning executives would be keen on signing GMB star Ben, 44, to fill in his shoes, after he displayed on-screen chemistry with Holly, 38, while covering Phillip back in 2016. 

According to The Sun, insiders insist Emma Gormley has considered the journalist as her 'top choice' to replace Phillip - who has fronted the show since 2002. 

However, a spokesperson for ITV shot down the claim in a statement to MailOnline, stating: 'This is not true'. 

Holly and Ben last presented the show together in late 2016 while the silver-haired enjoyed a half-term break.

A memorable moment from their short stint together included the Dancing On Ice star's awkward sex blunder, when she accidentally said 'w***y' and 'w**ked' live on-air - leaving Ben in stitches. 

Ben was a lead presenter on former daytime show GMTV from 2000 until 2010, and now co-hosts Good Morning Britain alongside Susanna Reid, Piers Morgan and Kate Garraway. 

During Monday's edition of This Morning, fans said it seemed like Holly and Phil had fallen out over something due to the tense atmosphere. 

Many took to Twitter to express their views, with one writing: '#ThisMorning you can cut the atmosphere with a knife on This Morning. Phil and Holly no longer working!! #timeforachange.' 

While another also commented on the awkwardness, saying: 'Holly over talking and Phil over listening #elephantintheroom #ThisMorning.' A third said: 'Is it me or do Holly and Phil look like they've had a falling out looks awkward #ThisMorning.'

Also referencing the 'elephant in the room', another person said: 'So is @schofe and @hollywills going to make a comment on the elephant in the room?

'It's the only reason we are still watching right??? #ThisMorning.'

One commenter said: 'Just put This Morning on, you can tell Holly cant' be bothered with Phil. Friendships/people you work with are like relationships, after years of being together they come to a natural end.' 

While another thought it felt forced, writing: 'Omg they're both trying a bit too hard #ThisMorning.'

Agreeing with this, another said: 'Nice way to cover up the big #phillipschofield feud then #ThisMorning.' 

It is claimed eight different ITV presenters have broken their silence regarding Phillip's attitude. The show's Friday presenter Ruth, 59, is said to have made an official complaint. 

A report stated the situation behind the scenes at This Morning had become 'toxic' in recent months, with employees too scared to speak out publicly for fear of backlash. 

Hitting back at the reports, a spokesperson for ITV said: 'It’s deeply disappointing and unfair for Phillip to be the target of this sort of malicious gossip.' 

'Phillip is a much respected broadcaster and colleague and this is absolutely not a description of This Morning that we recognise.

'Holly and Phil are great friends both on and off screen and are popular among viewers and colleagues alike.'

Martin Frizell, Editor of This Morning explained: 'I spend hundreds of days a year in their company and what you see is what you get, a genuine friendship from a couple who are both spontaneously funny and professional.

'We have the smartest viewers watching telly and believe me they would be the first to notice any issues - they haven’t because there are none.' 

Amanda Holden also weighed into the latest controversy surrounding Phillip by praising his This Morning co-hosts for standing up for themselves amid a slew of alleged complaints regarding his behaviour. 

The 48-year old previously hit out at Phillip over claims he blocked her from filling in for regular co-host Holly while she spent three weeks in Australia presenting I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! 

Addressing the latest claims on her Heart Radio show, Holden insisted she had moved on from her own spat with Phil, but conceded it may well have lit a fuse.  

'Listen, I’ve drawn a line under all those issues with Phillip,' she told fellow presenter Jamie Theakston. 

'I’m just going to say I really admire anyone that’s going to stick up for themselves because it’s not an easy thing to do. 

 'There’s a tin opener and a can somewhere and other people have found the tin opener. That’s all I’m saying.'