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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Charlotte Everett

James Haskell slams Holly Willoughby's 'nonsense' and claims she knew about Phil's affair

James Haskell has laid into Holly Willoughby during a rant on live TV and claimed 'she knew' Phillip Schofield was having an affair with a younger, male colleague.

Holly, 42, returned to screens again this week after saying she was 'hurt' to find out the truth, telling viewers she'd been let down by someone she loved.

Hitting out at her emotional comeback, former rugby star Haskell said "everyone knew" about the scandal.

During an appearance on the Jeremy Vine show, James, who is the son-in-law of former This Morning presenters Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, joined the legion of celebs and viewers weighing in on the scandal that has engulfed ITV daytime.

The 37-year-old said: "Utter nonsense. She [Holly] asked: 'Are you ok?' A bloke off the TV cheated on his wife, I think I'll survive, I think I'll live. This is 2023 in a nutshell.

"I knew about this years ago, of course she [Holly] knows. Everybody knows."

James Haskell appeared on Jeremy Vine (Channel 5)

Myleene Klass, who was also a guest on the show, added: "I think it's a case of the conversations that happen on that sofa, these are people who are trusted and welcomed into our house."

Holly returned to her usual This Morning presenting slot after two weeks off due to it being half term and the controversial scandal.

She hosted the show alongside regular TV face Josie Gibson who offered her support as Holly approached the situation.

After thanking Josie for being by her side, Holly asked viewers if they were okay.

She said: "Deep breath - firstly, are you OK? I hope so. It feels very strange sitting here without Phil and I imagine you might be 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 that they themselves felt that they had to resign from ITV and step down from a career that they loved. That is a lot to process.

"And it's equally hard to see the toll that it's 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 back to a place of warmth and magic that this show holds for all of us, we can find strength in each other."

She then went on to thank those who have sent messages of support.

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