Holly Willoughby made an abrupt departure from This Morning on Wednesday, leaving Phillip Schofield to host the final half hour alone, as she headed off to do another job.
Holly's early exit from the ITV show comes as she and Phillip continue to be the focus of rumours of a falling out behind the scenes, with sources claiming that, after being close friends, as well as work colleagues for years, they are now 'feuding'. Phillip attempted to pour cold water on the reports by issuing a statement in which declared Holly has been his 'rock,' but, that did little to extinguish the growing speculation around the high profile hosts.
Several TV stars have waded in on the rumours, with Phillip and Holly's ITV colleague, Lorraine Kelly, speaking out in their support, while their ex This Morning co-star Eamonn Holmes took a very different tact, accusing them of 'faking' their on screen chemistry and quipping that they should have won an acting accolade at Sunday's BAFTAs.
READ MORE: Holly Willoughby issues lengthy statement amid Phillip feud rumours
Despite all the rumours flying around about them, it has been business as usual for Phillip and Holly this week, as they've hosted three shows in a row. However, there was disruption on Wednesday, with Holly announcing right at the start of proceedings, that she wouldn't be sticking around for the 150 minute live broadcast.
After Phillip paid tribute to Holly, for how stunning she looked at Tuesday's Prince's Trust Awards, Holly explained that she had a Royal engagement to attend linked to the awards, saying: "This afternoon I'm off to Buckingham Palace and the King will be there and we get to introduce the award winners to the King so he can say well done. All quite exciting isn't it?"
Phillip responded: "So you're off midday ish and I'm holding the fort? Fine."
Holly's exit meant that Phillip had to front Wednesday's game of 12 at 12 on his own, as well as doing a solo interview with Vigil actress Suranne Jones.
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