Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby shared an awkward kiss on-screen on This Morning today amid reports they aren't speaking to each other.
The pair are said to have fallen out after Phil, 61, released an impromptu statement saying things 'hadn't been easy' between them, despite him insisting Holly was still his 'rock'.
Today, the mum-of-three, 42, left her co-host to present part of the show on his own as she headed off to the Palace for her Prince's Trust duties.
But as the pair bid each other farewell, Holly told Phil: "Be good, don't be naughty," before they embraced, woodenly, causing fans to wonder what was going on.
One viewer said: "This is awkward". Another quipped: "Still laughing at how Holly couldn't get away quick enough blink and you'd miss her leave".
A third fan mused: "It was really kind of HM The King to save Holly Willoughby from having to endure more time with Phillip Schofield".
While a fourth commented: "That hug and kiss - oh wow that takes the title for the definition of cringe". And another added: "Two little cheek kisses. Absolutely Oscar performances. The best acting moment yet."
Other viewers wondered if Holly and Phil had had a row, with one tweeting: "Seriously wondered if they'd had a barney on air when I switched over to just Phillip! Apparently Holly left to interview King Charles. Wtf."
As Phil's future on the show continues to hang in the balance, The Mirror confirmed Holly has been pushing for a new deal with the show.
"Holly was considering her position on the show earlier this year, as she couldn’t see Phil being ousted. But that is now a real possibility and she wants to see a decision made on both of their futures quickly," a source said.
"That is what is behind Holly asking her team to reach out to ITV – she is trying to move things forward. There has been no bloodbath meeting yet, but that could well be to come. The sooner it happens, the sooner she can rebrand herself."
The Wylde Moon guru was said to have been kept in the dark about Phil's brother Tim's sex abuse trial and believes the presenter's sudden statement about their friendship has 'made things worse'.
One insider said: “This Morning’s relationship with its viewers is built on trust, and they have to believe that Holly and Phil’s friendship, and what they’re watching, is real.
"While there was a bit of noise and speculation about their relationship cooling, it could have easily been ignored."
