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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Anita McSorley & Susan Knox

Holly Willoughby pictured for first time since Phillip Schofield drama on family holiday in Portugal

Holly Willoughby has been pictured on a family holiday in Portugal for the first time her This Morning co-star Phillip Schofield departed the show.

The presenter, 42, enjoyed some half-term sun, with these exclusive pictures coming just days before her return to the ITV show.

Holly told fans she has been left "hurt" by Phillip's "lies" and claimed her former best friend concealed his affair from her.

READ MORE: Irish presenter Craig Doyle is new favourite to take over from Phillip Schofield on ITV's This Morning

She spoke out after Phillip was dropped by ITV and his agent after confessing to an "unwise but not illegal" affair with a much younger male ITV colleague.

Away from the chaos, Holly has been enjoying some downtime in Portugal with her mum and family.

In pictures exclusively obtained by Mirror UK, Holly can be seen smiling while sat around a dinner table beside mum Linda.

The TV star looked at ease surrounded by her loved ones as she engaged in conversation around the table.

Holly Willoughby visits a local Portuguese restaurant whilst on holiday in Portugal. (Daily Mirror)

Holly cut a casual figure in a straw hat and dark shades, sporting a chic knitted cardigan as she relaxed in the shade.

While Holly has jetted off abroad, her co-star Schofield swapped London for Cornwall as he spent time with his mum in the wake of his statement.

Responding to his confession last week, Holly said: "When reports of this relationship first surfaced, I asked Phil directly if this was true and was told it was not. It's been very hurtful to now find out that this was a lie."

ITV granted Holly another weeks' holiday from The Morning after she was already scheduled to take the half-term off alongside Phillip, who has now left the show altogether.

Holly Willoughby visits a local Portuguese restaurant whilst on holiday in Portugal (Daily Mirror)

Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary have been filling in as temporary presenters with Holly due to return next Monday. It's not yet known who will be joining her, but Irish presenter Craig Doyle is among the favourites.

Since Holly spoke out several former ITV stars and fellow celebrities including Eamonn Holmes and Katie Hopkins have urged her to step down from her role as host of This Morning after her 13-year reign. However, it seems that Holly won't be going anywhere without a fight.

Speaking exclusively to Mirror UK, a source said that Holly has no intentions of quitting This Morning, and hopes to "ride out the scandal".

Holly Willoughby visits a local Portuguese restaurant whilst on holiday in Portugal (Daily Mirror)

The source said: “Holly wants to stay at This Morning as long as she can, and hopes to ride out the scandal. Other stars like Stephen Mulhern are being approached to fill in for Phil when she returns. Some are reluctant to go in and face angry viewers.

“Holly is determined to stay put - the only reason she would leave now is if This Morning is axed. She has absolutely no plans to leave.”

Schofield, 61, stepped down from hosting the show just over a week ago, saying he wanted to protect its reputation amid reports of a feud with co-host Holly.

Just one week later, Philip admitted his "unwise but not illegal" affair and departed ITV entirely before he was then fired by his management company YMU.

Before Schofield’s confession, Willoughby previously said of his exit “It’s been over 13 great years presenting This Morning with Phil and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all of his knowledge, his experience and his humour. The sofa won’t feel the same without him.”

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