Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby struggle to…

Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby struggle to hold back tears as This Morning viewers baffled by 'missing' move

Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby had to fight back their emotions as they returned to This Morning. The pair were back at the helm of the ITV daytime show on Monday (May 15) after question marks were hanging over their return due to 'rift' claims circulating.

The duo put on a united front as they appeared side by side live from the London-based ITV studios. Holly and Phillip were all smiles as they appeared live to millions this morning when Lorraine Kelly crossed over to the pair to find out what was coming up on This Morning towards the end of her self-titled talk show.

Sitting next to each other with smiles on their faces, the duo shared what fans can expect from the latest episode. But when This Morning got underway at 10am, the pair were nowhere to be seen. That's because the first edition of the show of the week opened with a performance, The show opened with Disney composer Alan Menken at the piano playing a medley of music from the iconic franchise.

Following the performance, Holly said: "Oh, that was so nice," to which Phillip added: "What a way to start your Monday this morning.” The 61-year-old then turned to Holly as he said: "That is right up our street."

His co-star agreed: "Right up my street. It’s just a little taste of what we’ve got coming up later ahead of the release of The Little Mermaid. Award-winning Disney composer Alan Menken will be performing a medley of some of his best-known songs and I’m going to try really hard not to sing along.

"You might have to gag me," she quipped before Phillip joked: “This could be your audition. This could be your big moment." The pair then moved on to tease what is to come on the show before getting stuck into their first segment which was their usual newspaper review.

Gyles Brandreth and Camilla Tominey joined Holly and Phillip live on the famous sofa for 'This Morning's View' in which they discuss the latest news headlines and other topics getting viewers talking.

The episode actually opened with a performance from Disney composer Alan Menken (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Among the subjects being discussed was the moment Kevin Sinfield carried Rob Burrow over the finishing line in emotional scenes at the Leeds marathon as he continued his amazing efforts tor raise money and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease since Rob was diagnosed with the condition in 2019.

Phillip admitted they had to watch the video a number of times before coming on air so they wouldn't break down in tears. Camilla , who was discussing the news with them, said: "It’s the beauty of a friendship." Holly replied: “Yeah. It’s the moment where he is talking in his eyes. It’s just really lovely. Human’s are good aren’t they?"

The discussion of friendship come amid claims Holly and Phillip are 'barely speaking' behind the scenes. It was claimed that Phillip's pre-planned absence from the programme last month around his brother’s sex abuse trial contributed to a "cooling" of their friendship. But today's show is the first time the pair have been seen together since 61-year-old Phillip issued an unexpected statement in which he defended his relationship with Holly, 42, who he continued to claim is his 'rock'.

However, This Morning viewers couldn't help but comment on their own ommission of themselves from the news headlines segment. @DanielJFrancis tweeted: "#ThisMorning... there seems to be some headlines you've missed!" @therecsuk said: "'We’re looking at all the headlines' - Philip Schofield… not quite ALL the headlines. Holly and Phil looking incredibly self-conscious… #ThisMorning."

@Siiel12 posted: "lLet’s talk about the headlines' BUT NOT THAT ONE! #ThisMorning." @ShakyWoon added: "Holly and Phil discussing the headlines when they ARE the headlines! #ThisMorning."

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