Phillip Scoff strolled down ITB’s studios, briefly smiling at one of the members of the crew who rushed by him. He had given decades of his career in entertainment to the tv broadcaster, capturing the attention of millions of Britain’s daytime tv watchers on This Morning. Himself and his much adored co-presenter Holly Wibbly, had won the show endless awards.

But people had begun to grow tired of the pairs dynamic, viewing figures were down and endless articles had been written saying that Phillip had lost his magic touch. So at the start of 2021 the shows producer asked him to make a sacrifice for the show. Phillip was to come out as gay live on air to the viewers of This Morning, in the hope that the show could become more trendy for younger viewers, and respark attention for the show.

Phillip totally refused at first, but his contract had needed renewing for a further 3 years, and the producers had promised a hefty pay rise and ‘special’ treatment. His agency had also voiced their support for the publicity stunt, explaining he could earn a bucketload in new sponsorships. So when Phillip explained to his wife Stephanie what he was going to have to do in order to keep his job and status, he told her he didn’t have a choice. Stephanie decidedly stayed with Phillip, despite his rehearsed public ‘coming out’ episode on This Morning, provoking the tabloids to write articles about Phillip leaving his wife, or him having extramarital affairs with other male presenters.

Since the initial surge of public excitement for Phillips ‘next chapter’ his marriage with his wife had found difficulties, as she had found it difficult to be viewed in public as married to a gay man. Stephanie and Phillip now no longer shared a bed, and she found herself preoccupying herself more with her girlfriends on nights out or weekend trips away, which they could now undoubtedly afford with Phillips enhanced contract. Phillip had earned twice as much in the last two years than he had previously earnt in his whole career, and he had been given priority for anything at ITB. Although, he had caused significant frustration amongst his co-stars at ITB, with many seeing his wage rise and new changing rooms being built as too much special treatment.

So when Phillip walked into the producers meeting room on a Thursday afternoon, to discuss the upcoming weeks show, he was surprised to see several of ITB’s co-stars also at the meeting. Ruth Longford, who despised Phillip after he had her and her husband Eamonn moved to other shows on ITB, as Phillip had felt the duo had passed their time presenting on the Friday morning spot. Holly Wibbly, Phillips co-star for 8 years, who had begun to also get frosty with Phillip after she learned how much more Phillip was to earn. They were joined along with Stephen This Morning’s producer, Jessie the producer for QVQ, and Katie the producer for Loose women, where Ruth now worked.

Everyone took a seat and Stephen began.
“Phillip, I’m just going to start this straight, we have had a number of complaints about favourable treatment for yourself, and we have been forced as a network to find a solution.”

“I believe such treatment is in my contract, and I have made significant life decisions to meet those terms as do you, and what special treatment have I really had?” Phillip replied.

“Well to start with Phillip, you had half of the Loose Women makeup and changing rooms moved so you could get your own changing room. You are doing significantly less tv time than the rest of us, that’s why me and Holly are here today to backup what the producers are saying, it’s just not fair and you could not walk in our shoes.” Ruth exclaimed

“Honey” Phillip said, smirking back. “I could do whatever you are doing and do a much better job”

“That’s why we’re here” Stephen interrupted. “In your contract we are able to be flexible with what shows you are on, and like you said you have agreed to public changes in order to receive higher salary and special treatment. Myself and the other producers have agreed to allow you and Ruth to swap roles for the next weeks shows. You will present two shows on QVQ, as well as 5 shows on Loose Women. With Ruth taking your place on the Monday to Thursday This Morning shift. From there myself, Jessie and Katie will assess the impacts to the shows ratings and functioning behind the scenes. On Sunday a taxi will pick you up to prepare you for next week. Contractually you don’t have a choice in the matter, if you choose not to do this, you will owe the network your earnings from the last two years, as well as damages for us to find your replacement.

Phillip sat there in shock, while Ruth smirked villainously and Holly tried not to make eye contact. Steven continued. “We have been in touch with your agency and they agree that that was what was agreed in the contract. So if you have nothing to add I think we will call this meeting to a close, and we will see each other all on Monday.