Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby were fighting back their emotions after the pair returned to This Morning earlier this week. Questions were raised about the long-time hosting duo's return to the show after claims of a 'rift' developing between the two - but they put on a united front as they returned to screens.
Holly and Phillip smiled together as they appeared live to millions on Monday, May 15 when Lorraine Kelly passed over to This Morning to find out what was coming up after her talk-show, the MEN reports. The pair sat next to each other as they shared what was coming up on the episode.
But when the show kicked off at 10am, the pair were nowhere to be seen - Disney composer Alan Menken opened the show with a musical medley of classic Disney tunes. Holly and Philip soon returned, praising the performance as a great way to "start your Monday morning."
Read more: ITV This Morning: Phillip Schofield is 'shell of himself' following Holly feud rumours
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."
Joining the pair on the sofa for their first TV appearance together amid rumours of a 'rift' were Gyles Brandreth and Camilla Tominey who discussed the news of the day in 'This Morning's View'. Among the subjects up for discussion was emotional moment Kevin Sinfield carried Rob Burrow over the finish line at the Leeds marathon.
Rob continued his incredible money-raising efforts in a bid to raise funds and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease; 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?"
It comes amid claimed the long-time friends are reportedly 'barely speaking' behind the scenes. It was claimed 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 Monday's show was 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'.
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