Phillip Schofield & Holly Willoughby seen on This Morning for first time since she ‘cut ties’ with him amid show turmoil
HOLLY Willoughby and Phillip Schofield put on a united front as they were seen on screen for the first time today amid their fall out.
The duo appeared via video link on Lorraine as they prepared to host This Morning after their growing rift was laid bare for all to see over the last few days.
The pair are said to have come to a truce in order to host the show today.
A source said: “Holly and Phil are professionals and they can turn it on like no one else.
“Although behind the scenes their relationship is nothing like it was, they are both dedicated to This Morning and keeping it together for viewers.”
From 10am, the pair are due to interview I’m A Celebrity All-Stars winner Myleene Klass and discuss topics in the news.
The source added: “This Morning are aware of the issues and are doing everything they can to keep things running smoothly.”
Earlier today we told how Phil has hired a lawyer after being “blindsided” by how public their fall out has become.
Phil, who appeared stony faced when he emerged this morning -feared he would be axed by ITV after it emerged Holly, his TV partner of 14 years, was prepared to strike out alone on the show.
Phil then released an emotional statement about their friendship.
An insider told The Sun: “Phil has instructed a lawyer to help keep his reputation intact.
“They are overseeing stories relating to ITV and his role on This Morning and are ensuring Phil is protected.
“Phil has done absolutely nothing wrong and doesn’t have a PR team guiding him.
“He and ITV felt he needed someone, officially, in his corner to ward off stuff that isn’t true.”
“Phil doesn’t want this to get beyond his control.”
Holly and Phil will be on screen together until late July and then take a six-week summer break.
It is believed they will hold talks with ITV on how they can move forward before their return in September.
Since Holly and Phil’s last show together on Thursday, he has chosen to lie low.
Holly appeared stony-faced when seen on a trip out on Saturday.
Those close to Holly said she was “blindsided” by Phil’s emotional statement about their friendship last week, which confirmed the issues within their relationship.
Similarly, after Holly chose to remain silent those close to Phil said he felt hurt that she had failed to speak openly about him.
Phil lobbied for Holly to join This Morning as co-presenter when Fern Britton, 65, left the show.
Holly joined him in 2009 and the pair — who also co-host Dancing on Ice — have earned 12 National Television Awards between them.