Holly Willoughby has been spotted on a family holiday in Portugal amid the fallout from her former co-host's departure from This Morning.
The 42-year-old told fans she had been left "hurt" by Phil's "lies" as she claimed her former best friend had concealed his affair with a younger colleague ITV from her. She spoke out after Mr Schofield was dropped by both ITV and his agent after confessing to having a romance with a This Morning runner while still married to wife Stephanie Lowe.
Away from the drama back home, Holly is spending some downtime with her mum and her family. In pictures exclusively obtained by the Mirror, Holly could be seen smiling while sat around a dinner table beside mum Linda.
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The TV star, who is expected to make her This Morning return in the coming days, looked at ease surrounded by her loved ones as she engaged in conversation around the table.
While Holly has jetted off abroad, her co-star Mr Schofield swapped London for Cornwall as he spent time with his mother in the wake of his statement. Responding to his bombshell confession last week, Holly said: "When reports of this relationship first surfaced, I asked Phil directly if this was true and was told it was not. It's been very hurtful to now find out that this was a lie."
ITV granted Holly another weeks holiday from The Morning after she was already scheduled to take the half-term off alongside Phil, who has now quit the show altogether.
Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary have been filling in as temporary presenters with Holly due to return next Monday. It's not yet known who will be joining her.
The Mirror has reported a source close to Holly said she hopes to "ride out the scandal", adding: "Holly wants to stay at This Morning as long as she can, and hopes to ride out the scandal.
"Other stars like Stephen Mulhern are being approached to fill in for Phil when she returns. Some are reluctant to go in and face angry viewers. Holly is determined to stay put - the only reason she would leave now is if This Morning is axed. She has absolutely no plans to leave.”
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