Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby refuse to address growing doubts over their future after This Morning return
PHILLIP Schofield and Holly Willoughby refused to address growing doubts over their future during their incredibly awkward and strained return to This Morning today.
The presenting duo’s working relationship has come under scrutiny after it was revealed they have had a huge falling out and Holly had ‘cut ties’ with her co-host.
Today they put on a united front, but failed to address their issues, even during the paper review.
The pair grew very emotional at one point as they discussed friendship and “good people” after watching a moving moment between rugby players.
In a bizarre moment they both got on all fours to take part in a series of exercises – while viewers were left cringing over their happy display.
The show also kicked off with a piano player and no introduction – again leaving fans baffled.
Taking to Twitter to discuss it, one person wrote: “WHAT IS THE RANDOM MUSIC FOR??? This is so awkward and I’m just shocked this is allowed to air right now…”
A second said: “Just tuned into #ThisMorning can definitely sense the tension, Holly’s body language is so stiff whereas as Phil’s just oblivious. Must be super awkward on set ”
And a third added: “This is cringe it feels awkward knowing theses two people don’t get along with each other. Fake friends.”
It comes after The Sun first reported how the TV stars’ relationship was under strain.
Phillip Schofield confronted his co-star Holly Willoughby in a tense phone call shortly after their rift was made public.
It’s understood Holly was left blindsided when Phil, 61, released a statement on their feud without consulting her.
Phil had been fearful he could be axed from the ITV daytime show over their widening feud.
Holly and Phil 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.”
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.
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 the situation with 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.