This Morning hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield are "barely speaking" off camera as their friendship has "cooled" in recent months, it has been claimed.
The ITV co-stars have fronted the daytime show together for 14 years after Holly, 42, replaced Fern Britton to host alongside Phillip, 61, back in 2009, as well as presenting Dancing On Ice together. The pair's close bond has been apparent through their infamous antics over the years, including appearing 'hungover' on This Morning following celebrations at the National Television Awards several years in a row.
Holly and Phil are also known for getting the giggles live on air - but have also supported each other through tough times. Back in 2020, Phil described Holly as his "rock" when he came out as gay live on This Morning, with his co-star close by his side - but things have allegedly shifted between the pair since, The Mirror reports.
READ MORE: Carol McGiffin brands Loose Women 'woke' in savage swipe after ITV exit
Insiders have claimed that, while they maintain professionalism on screen, the friendship is not the same as it once was with Holly having distanced herself from Phil when the cameras aren't rolling. The rift has reportedly even led Holly to consider hosting This Morning without Phil in the future.
A source told The Sun: "Holly adores This Morning, and for the first time in 14 years she has made it clear that should Phil ever leave she would want to stay. They are separate entities. To those around them on set, it has become clear recently that Holly and Phil are not as close as they once were.
"Professionally you would have no idea there was anything going on because on camera they are acting exactly the same. But behind the scenes, their relationship has cooled. Before there would be a lot of banter and camaraderie off camera but that has dwindled," they added.
In his book Life's What You Make It, Phillip spoken openly about how Holly supported him in the lead up to his coming out announcement. "We were closer than we’d ever been," he wrote. "Holly knew my truth and was helping me to hold everything together."
However, the pair have since been subject to scrutiny from fans after becoming embroiled in a scandal last year which saw them falsely accused of skipping the queue for the Queen's lying in state. ITV fiercely defended the pair against the claims in a statement, which read: "Hello everyone, we would like to clarify something.
"We asked Phillip and Holly to be part of a film for this Tuesday's programme. They did not jump the queue, have VIP access or file past the Queen lying in state – but instead were there in a professional capacity as part of the world’s media to report on the event."
The Mirror has approached Holly and Phillip for comment.
READ NEXT:
Paul O'Grady fans left in tears at late star's Eurovision semi final appearance
Wednesday's Jenna Ortega to star in long-awaited Beetlejuice sequel - and fans are buzzing
Netflix announces surprise 'Bird Box' spin-off movie – watch the teaser trailer
Aldi TV show is returning to Channel 4 and you can take part
