This feud is destroying TM. TM was built with hard graft by Richard and Judy, and it was broadcast from the North and about real situations with real people and it felt like a voice for everyone up and down the country. It was as much a democratic space as any you would find elsewhere on TV. And it wasn't shy about broaching really controversial topics and setting the agenda. And of course there were a lot of laughs, too.
And now look at it. Bigger than the careers of Holly and Phil is the show itself, which people have invested so much in over many years. I can't help thinking the real victims in all this has been the likes of R&J, who put their heart and soul into making TM the brand it became and must be watching with horror at the fakery.
How can people trust the show again? One of the biggest stories right now is about the presenters, and they are acting like they are in a bubble. TM was never about being a bubble and always went head on into the stories of the day.
That reputation has been tanking for a long time. Today, we have robots presenting the show who don't represent the ordinary viewer. They are just two millionaires savings their careers.
So much for a show that was about and for ordinary people.