Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby to compete for the same prize at the NTAs 2023

Virgin Radio

23 May 2023, 09:59

Just days after his shocking exit from This Morning, Phillip Schofield and his former co-host Holly Willoughby could go head-to-head in the same category at this year’s National Television Awards. 

Yesterday’s episode of This Morning (Monday 22nd May) featured hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary, who took over for the regular duo following Schofield’s departure. He confirmed via social media on Saturday (20th May) that he would be leaving the ITV daytime staple “with immediate effect.”

Meanwhile, the annual National Television Awards released their longlist for the 2023 ceremony, which takes into account TV content from the last 12 months. 

Holly and Phil have been regulars at the NTAs, often attending together and picking up prizes for This Morning. Since 1998, the daily programme has picked up 17 trophies, with 12 of those being won since the pair started hosting together in 2009.

The presenters famously created one of the most memorable moments in This Morning history after arriving late to This Morning following the 2016 NTAs a little worse for wear, while still in the same clothes from the night before. 

While voting has only just begun to be recognised in the NTA shortlist, both Holly and Phil have landed in the TV presenter category, alongside the likes of fellow This Morning hosts Hammond and O’Leary, Marvin and Rochelle Humes, as well as Ant & Dec, Lorraine Kelly and Virgin Radio's own Graham Norton.

There are a total of 50 nominees in the longlist, which will then get whittled down after the first round of voting ends on 2nd June, so there is every chance Holly and Phil could end up competing against each other on the night. The winner will be announced at the NTAs on 5th September at London’s O2 Arena. 

Phillips' exit and his NTA nomination alongside Holly comes after weeks of rumours of a “feud” between the long-running hosting duo, with Phillip addressing the tensions in The Sun earlier this month, telling the publication that “the last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us.”

Taking to Instagram to announce his departure from This Morning, the TV presenter said: "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.

The National Television Awards 2023 will take place on Tuesday 5th September at the O2 Arena, London. Voting for the first stage of the NTAs is open now and closes on 2nd June. Vote at nationaltvawards.com.