This Morning’s Matthew Wright has shared his support for Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield amid ongoing reports of an alleged feud between the star pair.
Reports suggest Schofield and Willoughby - who have co-hosted the ITV morning show for 14 years - have seen a “cooling” of their friendship in recent weeks, with the pair said to be barely speaking outside of work.
After rumours emerged of a rupture in the relationship, Schofield released a statement that reportedly “blindsided” his co-host.
Amidst the media noise, Wright, who often appears on the morning show to discuss current affairs, took to Twitter to defend the pair on Tuesday.
He wrote: “Not sure I believe half of what you read about Holly and Phil. Terrific atmosphere on set today as per.”
Wright’s comment come after the pair attempted to put on a united front on Monday as they appeared on the This Morning sofa.
Not sure I believe half of what you read about Holly and Phil. Terrific atmosphere on set today as per 🥰🤷♂️
— Matthew Wright (@Matthew_Wright) May 16, 2023
The pair kept things light-hearted as they introduced their guests for the show – including Myleene Klass, Disney composer Alan Menken and Daniel Craig’s personal trainer.
Some industry insiders were not surprised by the united front - with a source telling The Sun: “Holly and Phil are professionals and they can turn it on like no one else.
“Although behind the scenes their relationship is nothing like it was, they are both dedicated to This Morning and keeping it together for viewers.”
However, some fans noticed the duo seemed “strained.”
Former This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes laid into the pair on GB News today, saying: “The public surely suss that there is no chemistry, that it is a broken fit between the two of them.”
The fallout between the pair - who also host ITV show Dancing on Ice together - is said to have started after they were criticised for not queueing for the Queen’s Lying in State at the end of last year.
Then, more recently, the sex abuse trial of Schofield’s brother is said to have added tension to the partnership.
Schofield, 61, recently returned to the show following a period of pre-planned leave around the trial. Willoughby was also off after falling ill with Shingles.
At the end of last week, Schofield broke his silence to insist that there has been no fallout with his co-host, saying: “Holly is my rock. We’re the best of friends — as always, she is an incredible support on screen, behind the scenes and on the phone.
“Holly has always been there for me, through thick and thin. And I’ve been there for her. The last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us.”
Schofield added: “My family went through a real ordeal, and Holly’s support throughout meant the world to me — as did the support of my bosses at ITV, my editor Martin Frizell and the whole This Morning family, including our amazing viewers.
“Whatever happens, we still have each other to count on.”
The surprise statement is reported to have infuriated both ITV bosses and Willoughby, 42, who is said to have felt “blindsided” by the move.
