Holly Willoughby has made her first major statement since the Phillip Schofield scandal unfolded as she returned to This Morning. The presenter hasn't been seen on screens since her former co-star 'stepped back' from the daytime show before admitting to lying to her about his relationship with a much younger ITV colleague.
Holly, 42, took a fortnight off of presenting duties after making the decision to take an extra week's break before her planned half-term holiday after Phillip suddenly quit after more than 20 years on the famous sofa, claiming the show had 'become the story' amid claims of a rift between himself and Holly.
It has since been further reported that the friendship between Holly and Phil is on the rocks after he admitted to the 'unwise but not illegal' affair. Following his bombshell statement, Holly later released her own saying that she felt 'hurt' that she had been lied to.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
It has since been reported that the friendship between Holly and Phil is on the rocks after he admitted to the 'unwise but not illegal' affair. Following his bombshell statement, Holly later released her own saying that she felt 'hurt' that she had been lied to.
Appearing in the ITV studio,Holly opened Monday's episode of This Morning by saying 'Hi' and thanking co-host Josie Gibson for being there with her.
She then directly faced the camera and said: "Deep breath," before saying it felt strange being on the programme without her former co-host Phillip Schofield.
She said: "Firstly, are you ok? I hope so. It feels very strange indeed sitting here without Phil. I imagine you might have been feeling a lot like I have, shaken, troubled, let down, worried for the wellbeing of people on all sides of what's been going on, and full of questions."
"You, me, and all of us at This Morning gave our love and support to someone who was not telling the truth, who acted in a way who themselves felt that they had to resign from ITV and step down from a career they loved. That is a lot to process and it's equally hard to see the toll that it has taken on their own mental health,
"I think what unites us all now is a desire to heal for the health and wellbeing of everyone. I hope that as we start this new chapter and get to a place of warmth and magic that this show holds for all of us, we can show strength in each other.
"From my heart, can I say thank you for all of your kind messages and thank you for being here this morning. Myself, Josie, Dermot, Alison, Craig and every single person who works on this show will continue work hard every single day to bring you the show that we love."
READ NEXT:
- Britain's Got Talent fans say real winner was 'robbed' after Viggo Venn crowned 2023 champion
- Britain's Got Talent viewers spot 'rift' between judges as Bruno Tonioli 'booed' minutes into final
- Britain's Got Talent viewers ask 'are you serious' as judges final decision sparks complaints
- Gemma Atkinson hailed 'hot mama' as Gorka Marquez takes on new 'job' and swoons over pregnant fiance
- Victoria Beckham poses alongside Nicola Peltz in rare family get-together as fans all make same observation
