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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Entertainment
Emma Grimshaw

Fans rush to defend Holly Willoughby amid 'mean' backlash

Viewers have loved watching presenting duo Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield on their screens. The 'best friends' have entertained the nation for more than a decade, but sadly, things have reportedly turned sour and now Phillip has stepped down.

Things came to a head at the weekend, as ITV announced that Phil had left This Morning after 21 years of presenting the daytime magazine show. And some fans haven't taken the news well, turning on Holly and calling for her to resign.

Sharing her new 'favourite' dress on social media, which costs just £49 from Marks and Spencer, she posted on Instagram: "True Blue. You can never have too many printed dresses. This gorgeous style has rocketed to take the top spot as my new favourite."

READ MORE: Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary to host This Morning

Ignoring the dress, Holly's followers had a lot to say after her 'feud' with Phillip Schofield. Scores of people called for her to step down too. Some branded her two-faced, and others claimed she wasn't a good friend.

But lots of people jumped to her defence. One follower said: "Oh poor Holly will everyone just get off her back", another wrote: "I don't understand why Holly is being targeted because of people's thoughts of Phillip?"

A third commented: "Why do all you haters follow Holly willoughby ?? If she's so bad then unfollow her and get on with your lives.... it's absolutely disgusting that people post so much hatred... have no lessons been learnt from Caroline Flack ?? In a world where you can be anything, be kind."

Reports suggest that Phil could be back on people's screens very soon.

Ken Lygo, ITV's Managing Director Media and Entertainment said: "Phillip is hands down one of the best broadcasters of his generation and we thank him for his two decades worth of absolutely terrific television on the This Morning sofa.

"This Morning is made by one of the best and most diligent teams in television, who produce over 12 hours of live television each week. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Phillip starting with The British Soap Awards in June and a brand new peak time series to come."

It is not yet known what Phil's new TV venture will be, although he assured fans that he will see them next month as he prepares to present the Soap Awards. Meanwhile, it is not yet known who will join Holly on the This Morning when she returns from a break in early June, although fan favourites Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary will step in to present today's (May 22) programme.

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