Holly Willoughby "won't tolerate attacks" on Phillip Schofield, it's been claimed - following criticism of the presenter by their former colleague Eamonn Holmes.
It comes after Eamonn, 62, described Phil, 59, as "passive aggressive" in an no holds barred interview last month, after his departure from This Morning, following 15 years on the ITV show.
Eamonn was also seen to have liked a tweet that praised him and wife Ruth Langsford, 61, but described Phil as "rude" behind the scenes.
Following the digs, it was reported that Phillip's ITV colleagues had "rallied round" him following such reports, with his co-presenter Holly, 41, said to be supporting him amid the criticisms.
A TV source said that while Holly doesn't "usually like getting herself involved in drama," the presenter "puts her foot down" when people target her co-host Phil.
Speaking to Heat mgazine, the source said that Holly feels that "what happens on the show should remain between the stars" and that she doesn't feel the need to discuss such matters in public.
"Privately she's let it be known that she's not happy with what Eamonn has said and how he has conducted himself," the source however added in the recent article.
They said she disagrees with comments made by Eamonn, with her having observed that Phil is a "consummate professional" who is "kind and fair" over their years together.
The source further commented that Holly - who also co-hosts Dancing on Ice with Phil - "will not tolerate people attacking him," adding that "he doesn't deserve it."
They said that she will "always defend him" and is "grateful" for the amount of support he has given her over the years - with them having become presenting partners in 2006.
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Eamonn and Ruth had presented This Morning together for more than a decade, with them known for taking over as hosts from Holly and Phil on Fridays and during holidays.
They however were replaced by Alison Hammond, 47, and Dermot O'Leary, 48, last year. Eamonn has since joined GB News as a presenter and Ruth remains on Loose Women.
The Mirror approached reps of Holly Willoughby, Phillip Schofield and Eamonn Holmes for comment on this story.
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