This Morning viewers were left confused whilst watching the ITV show after Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield failed to address a rumoured rift between the pair. The duo put on a united front as they appeared side by side on Monday and made no reference to stories in the press about their relationship.
Fans were baffled and took to social media to share their views, with one writing: "#ThisMorning... there seems to be some headlines you've missed!" "We're looking at all the headlines' Philip Schofield… not quite ALL the headlines.
"Holly and Phil looking incredibly self-conscious… #ThisMorning," commented a second. Before a third typed: "Just switched TV on #ThisMorning surprised to see #PhillipSchofield appearing and chatting away to #HollyWilloughby as if everything is normal so switched off immediately. Won't be watching again until he has gone."
Which member of the Royal Family are you? Take our quiz here
The pair joked with each other throughout the show, including when they took part in a core exercise routine with a celebrity fitness instructor. After they completed a series of abdominal workouts, Schofield asked while laughing: “Is this the first thing we’ve done from the floor?”
Willoughby replied: “I think it might be. If you’re just tuning in now you’ll be thinking ‘What has happened?'” Last week, Schofield hailed Willoughby as his “rock” in a statement to The Sun following reports the pair’s relationship has come under strain.
He said: “As I have said before, Holly is my rock. We’re the best of friends – as always, she is an incredible support on screen, behind the scenes and on the phone. “Holly has always been there for me, through thick and thin. And I’ve been there for her. The last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us.”
Schofield took pre-planned leave from the show around his brother’s sex abuse trial at Exeter Crown Court last month. Willoughby also recently took time off from the ITV morning programme due to shingles.
The TV duo have presented the show together since 2009 and also co-host ITV’s Dancing On Ice. Last September, the pair faced a backlash over claims they skipped the queue for the Queen’s lying in state.
Following an online outcry, the chief executive of ITV said Schofield and Willoughby had been “misrepresented” over the issue and stressed they had been attending as members of the media to film a segment for This Morning. Over the years they have been open about their close friendship including sharing pictures on social media of them while on joint holidays with their families.
READ NEXT:
