This Morning viewers were left using the same one word to describe Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield's first appearance on TV since the latter issued a statement on their relationship following 'rift' claims.
Last week, Phillip, 61, hailed Holly, 42, as his "rock" in an unusual statement to The Sun following reports the pair’s relationship has come under strain and that they were 'barely speaking' behind the scenes at the ITV daytime show which they have hosted together since 2009.
He said to the publication: "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." Phillip added: "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."
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
The rumours began to circulate about their off-screen relationship being in tatters after Phillip took pre-planned leave from the show around his brother’s sex abuse trial at Exeter Crown Court last month. Holly also recently took time off from the ITV morning programme due to shingles.
But on Monday (May 15), 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.
The show opened with Disney composer Alan Menken playing a medley on a piano before pair continued to joke with each other throughout the show, including when they took part in a core exercise routine with a celebrity fitness instructor.
But the same word kept cropping up among This Morning viewers as they tuned in to watch the pair host together for the first time since they started hitting the headlines.
@Alexfern03 tweeted: "It’s actually so awkward watching Phil and Holly put on a united front. Holly’s doing well but Phil looks so on edge. Glazing over a weekend of dire headlines for ITV is not working... #ThisMorning." @alice2127 asked: "So how awkward is it on a scale from 1-10? #thismorning."
@missatomicmell wrote: "This Morning feels ... Awkward? I miss Alison & Dermot, their chemistry is genuine. #ThisMorning." @Sarah2022x posted: "Well #ThisMorning that was the most awkward show I've ever watched." @DollyOnTheDales added: "THANK GOD, THIS MORNING IS OVER It's been so awkward and it's been borderline painful and extremely uncomfortable to watch... #ThisMorning."
READ NEXT:
- Coronation Street's Colson Smith disappoints fans as he says 'it's gone' after debuting new look
- Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby struggle to hold back tears as This Morning viewers baffled by 'missing' move
- Rylan says 'just be thankful' in public exchange with rival radio DJ as they slam Eurovision Song Contest decision
- Britain's Got Talent viewers 'work out' how illusionist Miki Dark set Simon Cowell 'on fire' as they issue complaint
- Eamonn Holmes takes aim at ex co-stars Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby and says partnership 'is broken fit' after fans' demands
