This Morning viewers wondered what was going on as they tuned into the latest episode to find that Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield had been 'replaced'. All eyes have been on the duo this week as they put on a united front on-screen despite claims of a 'rift' when the cameras stop rolling.
Holly, 42, and Phillip, 61, who have hosted the ITV daytime show together since 2009, are reportedly 'barely speaking' behind the scenes. But last week, Phillip hailed Holly as his "rock" in an unusual statement to The Sun following reports the pair’s relationship has come under strain.
He said to the publication: "As I have said before, 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." Phillip added: "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."
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They have since been fronting This Morning as normal together with no signs of any friction between the pair. But during their last stint at the helm of the week, Phillip and Holly were nowhere to be seen.
After the usual opening titles, the camera went to the studio where a grey android figure opened the show saying: "Welcome to your Thursday This Morning. This is the UK’s number-one daytime show, presented by Phillip and Holly."
It added: "There’s so much coming up on the show today that I can’t wait for you to hear all about it." The camera then panned to show that Holly and Phillip had been sitting at the kitchen's breakfast bar and while they seemed impressed by Ameca, described as the world’s most advanced robot, they were also pretty taken aback.
Holly said: "It is amazing," before adding: "It’s slightly freaking me out, I’m not going to lie. Phillip, I’m not sure." And This Morning viewers were also responding to the change.
@Mabel_Mouse_ tweeted: "Wtaf was that? #ThisMorning." @JTravels12 asked: "Is the robot Philip and Holly’s replacement? #ThisMorning." @k_heyrab commented: "Wow they have a real [robot] #ThisMorning." @Boppity_Boo34 added: "That robot is freaky as hell #ThisMorning."
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