Phillip Schofield insists Holly Willoughby is ‘the sister I never had’ as he addresses strained relationship

PHILLIP Schofield has insisted Holly Willoughby is ‘the sister I never had’ as he addresses reports of a strained relationship.

Earlier this month The Sun’s Dan Wootton exclusively revealed how the This Morning duo’s relationship had grown tense in recent months.

But playing down the reports, Phillip, 57, insisted everything is fine between him and Holly, 38.

Speaking at the launch of Dancing on Ice, which the pair also present together, Phillip said: “Can you imagine a feud between us ever happening? It’s not as if we have to defend anything.

“It’s a shame… we are so open on the show, we are so open online and we go on holiday together.

“Holly is the sister I never had, we think at the same speed. It’s so organic… it’s a shame.”

Phillip is at the centre of a civil war at This Morning, with The Sun also revealing the show’s Friday presenter Ruth Langsford has made an official complaint against him.

But Phillip insisted to the MailOnline: “The atmosphere in our studio is so wonderful, there’s such a lovely team. Everyone is lovely.”

On Thursday, Phil and Holly said goodbye to This Morning viewers ahead of their Christmas break, ending the cheesy moment with a clink of their champagne glasses.

Phil then landed a smacker on Holly’s cheek before embracing her on the couch.

He told viewers: “Well, that is it from us for today and this year. We’re not here tomorrow because of the General Election coverage.”

Holly said: “Eammon and Ruth are back with you on Monday, but we hope you have a wonderful Christmas and we will see you in the New Year.”

Phil added: “Yes, for a longer show we’ll see you at 10am on Monday, January 6. So, merry Christmas. Bye now!”