This Morning presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield have finally addressed recent reports suggesting their working relationship has become tense behind the scenes.
Although Holly and Phillip are known for their friendship both on and off camera, over the weekend it was reported that things had turned “strained” between the two presenters in recent times.
In a lengthy report published by The Sun, the tabloid suggested that Phillip was “jealous” of his co-host, following her Bafta-winning stint presenting I’m A Celebrity last year, also claiming they had spoken to “eight star ITV presenters” about his “attitude”.
However, while an ITV spokesperson has already dismissed The Sun’s claims, the pair have now spoken out to share their side of the story.
Talking to Newsbeat at this year’s Dancing On Ice press launch, Phillip said whoever the tabloid spoke to about the supposed fall-out with his co-host was “mistaken”.
“We have such a laugh,” he insisted. “We’re best mates, she’s like the sister I never had. I just adore working with her, she’s just perfect.”
Holly agreed: “You couldn’t do the amount of hours of TV that we do with each other without getting on.”
The Sun’s report also included the unconfirmed claim that fellow This Morning star Ruth Langsford had filed an official complaint against Phillip.
HuffPost UK contacted Ruth’s spokesperson at the time, but has yet to hear back.
Someone who did have some thoughts on this earlier this week was Amanda Holden, who has been involved in her own much-publicised public feud with Phillip.
“I’m just gonna say that I really admire anyone that sticks up for themselves because it is not an easy thing to do,” she said during Monday’s Heart breakfast show.
“There is a tin opener and there’s a can somewhere and other people have found the tin opener. That’s all I’m saying.”
An ITV rep previously said: “It’s deeply disappointing and unfair for Phillip to be the target of this sort of malicious gossip.
“Phillip is a much respected broadcaster and colleague and this is absolutely not a description of This Morning that we recognise.
“Holly and Phil are great friends both on and off screen and are popular among viewers and colleagues alike.”
