BAFTA Television Award hosts Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan made a savage joke about Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield just minutes into the show.
The comedians are hosting the TV award show and made a dig at the This Morning presenters during their introduction speech.
Romesh started the gag by stating: "Some incredible programmes have been nominated this year."
"Imelda Staunton is here," pointed out Rob. "It's exciting isn't it."
He continued: "She's nominated for her performance in The Crown, apparently Phil and Holly got to watch that a couple of days before everybody else."
"A little bit of edge for you early doors, do you like that," quipped Romesh.
As the audience awkwardly laughed, Rob added: "All you ITV guys keeping a straight face hey."
Last year, Holly and Phil came under fire after they were accused of skipping the queue to see the Queen lying in state.
There was fury when a photo appeared to show the daytime TV hosts in a fast track lane to pay their respects to the Queen in Westminster Abbey.
It was further amped up by fellow celebs Susanna Reid and David Beckham waited many hours in line with members of the public.
Amid demands for the pair to be sacked and vicious trolling, This Morning issued a statement, which explained Holly, 41, and Phillip, 60, were in the abbey to film a segment for the show.
Rob and Romesh's joke also comes after the pair have been hitting headlines after rumours have been swirling about strains in their friendship.
It has been said Holly reportedly cut ties with her longtime TV co-host and close friend Phil.
Holly was recently pictured looking downcast before it emerged that she will return to the sofa with Phillip Schofield on Monday.
The Mirror exclusively reported that Holly was pushing for ITV bosses to begin contract negotiations – as her co-host Phillip Schofield’s future hangs in the balance.
However, any future changes for the show have been paused as ITV officially confirmed to the Mirror: "Holly and Phillip will be back on the sofa tomorrow."
It is understood that Holly was left 'blindsided' when Phillip released a statement about their friendship.
Phillip shut down suggestions of a feud and described Holly as his "rock" during some of the most stressful times in his life.
A source told MailOnline : "The statement came out of nowhere for Holly and it was upsetting. What a betrayal. It feels like he Phil is looking after himself here, with no regard for her."
In a statement to The Sun, Phillip said: "The last few weeks haven't been easy for either of us. My family went through a real ordeal. And Holly's support throughout meant the world to me, as did the support of my bosses at ITV, my editor Martin Frizell and the whole This Morning family, including our amazing viewers."
