Holly Willoughby in crisis talks with producers about leaving This Morning

Undated handout photo issued by ITV of Holly Willoughby, who stars in an Aardman-made Christmas animation encouraging cat owners to get their pets microchipped.

Popular This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby has reportedly had secret crisis talks with producers over her future on the show after a legal row with her former management company.

The 40-year-old is currently involved in a legal war with her previous management company who are reportedly asking for around £200,000 a year of the star's new ITV daytime deal in commission.

Holly parted ways with YMU last summer in order to set up her own company, Roxy Management but the group claim they are still entitled to a percentage of her future earnings under a "sunset clause", The Sun has reported.

File photo dated 09/12/19 of Holly Willoughby (left) and Phillip Schofield, will return to This Morning on September 1, ITV has confirmed. The duo have been away for the summer holidays, with Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford filling in for them. See PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV Quickfire Schofield.. Picture credit should read: Ian West/PA Wire/PA Images. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV Quickfire Schofield.

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A source told The Sun said: "This is not about the money, it's the principle of the thing.

"There has never been any question over commission on contracts that they concluded - this is about what happens moving forwards now that they aren’t involved, and them trying to handcuff her for years to come. It’s just not right.

"Holly left YMU to set up on her own, and to take back control of her own future.

"She loves This Morning, and really doesn't want to leave. She is committed to the show, but has been given no choice but to discuss her options moving forwards.

"She wants to stand up for women, and won't roll over when it comes to unfair renegotiations.”

The source told The Sun that the TV star has spoken to ITV execs about the situation and said she'd rather leave the show than let the former management team take such a large chunk of her earnings.

ITV bosses are said to be ‘pulling out all the stops’ to get the situation resolved as amicably as possible.

It has been reported that Holly is now preparing to go to court with the group - which also represents her co-star, Phillip Schofield - over their demands for commission on her latest contract, despite the fact that they no longer work with her.

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