All eyes were on the ITV studios earlier today for Monday's instalment of This Morning.
Viewers were eagerly awaiting the return of hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, after their much publicised reported feud.
Channel bosses confirmed over the weekend that the pair, who were formerly close friends who used to holiday with their families together, would be back on screens as normal this morning despite growing off screen tensions which have been reported between them. It's been alleged that Holly is distancing herself from her co-star and they no longer speak unless they have to. On Thursday night, Phillip, 61, released a bombshell statement in which he admitted things "haven't been easy" between the two presenters though he still insisted that Holly, 43, is his "rock".
On today's show, the stars seemed determined to put on a united front and refused to address rumours of the so called feud, but emotions were high as Holly became overcome as she watched a clip of Leeds Rhino rugby legend Kevin Sinfield carrying his friend Rob Burrow over the finish line for the Leeds Marathon.
Sitting on the sofa across from Gyles Brandreth and Camilla Tominey, they discussed the day's biggest headlines - without mentioning their own - while they spoke about the pals and their continued quest to raise awareness about Motor Neurone Disease, which Rob was diagnosed with in 2019.
While watching the clip, Phil said: "Oh my God, this!"
Before Camilla added: "Oh this is going to make us cry."
"It does make you cry," said Holly, before Phillip explained: "We had to watch this a couple of times this morning to just get it out of our system," while Holly interrupted saying: "But it's still... Ugh."
"Kevin Sinfield carried his friend and former teammate Rob Burrow across the finish line at the Leeds Marathon," explained Phillip.
Camilla said: "It's the beauty of a friendship," before Willoughby added: "Yeah, it's the moment where he is talking in his eyes, it's just really lovely, humans are good aren't they?"
There could be more emotions on the go backstage if reports that Holly has cut all ties with her co-star are true, as she's said to have been left furious by Phil's statement on Thursday, which she didn't know was coming.
Bosses are now reported to be prepared to sack Phillip should his on-screen chemistry with Holly appear different for viewers and sources claim a replacement is already lined up for the position.
Earlier today we reported Phillip was said to be weathering the storm and going ahead with presenting This Morning today despite 'calling in top lawyers' to deal with the 'ongoing feud' between him and Holly.
TV insiders say that ITV and Holly think that his public announcement released on Thursday night has made matters worse and supposedly 'crisis talks' took place over the weekend.
A source told the Mirror last week that if viewers don't believe their relationship on screen is genuine, ITV will act fast. They 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.
“But by putting this statement out there, he has turned what was a manageable situation into a feeding frenzy. If viewers now no longer believe in the pair, and make their views clear next week, make no mistake, ITV will act.
“Phil’s position is looking increasingly precarious. Monday is very much D-day, but the same could apply to any day next week. No one is bigger than the brand.”
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