T.J. HolmesandAmy Robach’s future atGMA3: What You Need To Knowremains uncertain.
A source tells PEOPLE that ABC is struggling to “figure out what degree of punishment is appropriate,” if any, as the network continues itsinvestigation into the pair’s relationship.
“A lot of higher ups at the show think they should be fired,” the source reveals. “But the problem is they can’t fire them so they’re really in trouble and trying to figure it out.”
A second insider says that Holmes, 45, and Robach, 49, think “the situation sucks” as they await a decision from the network nearly two months after they were taken off the air.
Phil McCarten/ABC/Getty
Previously, a source confirmed to PEOPLE that the co-anchors had “not been terminated” from the news program but questions remained about whether the pair would return to their on-air roles.
“There are no negotiations about their future. ABC is completing their investigation,” the source said. “While it is unlikely they will return in the capacity they were in — the longer time goes on, it becomes less likely they will return — there are still open lines of communication and further discussions are being had about what will happen.”
For more on Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes, listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day.
Despite the ongoing investigation, another insider told PEOPLE the pair’s relationship is"stronger than ever."
“They’re just going along and doing their thing,” the second source revealed of the pair, who were taken off the air on Dec. 5. “There’s no grounds to fire them on and they believe they won’t be fired. The network is just waiting for things to cool down. This happens at companies all the time.”
T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach.Noam Galai/Getty
Hours after the photos surfaced, Holmes and Robachshut downtheir respective Instagram accounts. (Robach has sincereactivated her accountwhile Holmes' account remains inactive.)
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Since then, Holmes and wife Marilee Fiebig havefiled for divorce. Robach and her husbandAndrew Shuedo not appear to have filed for divorce yet, but a source previously told PEOPLE that the pairseparated in August.
Paula Lobo/ABC via Getty Images
Holmes and Robach have not publicly commented on their relationship, though theyalluded to the newsduring a broadcast ofGMA3: What You Need To Knowin December prior to their on-air hiatus.
ABC News president Kim Godwin also addressed the news in December in a memo to staffers, which stated that the pair will"remain off-air pending the completion of an internal review" with a rotation of anchors filling in on the program.
She shared that the “continuing coverage” of the co-anchors' romance “can be distracting from the incredibly important work our team does here at ABC News.”
“It is my hope that we will continue to focus our energy on what we do best,” she added. “And I want all of you to know how immensely proud I am of your hard work and professionalism.”
source: people.com
