Phillip Schofield has responded to yet another claim of a rift with This Morning co-host Holly Willoughby.
The presenter shared a statement following claims that the pair “barely speak” off camera and that their rumoured issues have been going on “for some time”.
Schofield, 61, said on Thursday (11 May) that, while “the last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us”, he views Willoughby, 42, as his “rock”.
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He added: “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.”
Willoughby is yet to respond to the fresh claims, but she did previously speak out following a similar report that suggested they were embroiled in a “toxic” rift.
In 2019, it was reported that the presenting duo’s working relationship had become “strained”.
While ITV dismissed the claims, which suggested Schofield was “jealous” of Willoughby replacing Ant McPartlin on the 2018 series of I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, both Schofield and Willoughby denied the reports at the press launch for Dancing on Ice.
At the time, Willoughby told reporters: “You couldn’t do the amount of hours of TV that we do with each other without getting on.”
She then addressed the same reports in an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show.
When Ross addressed the claims, Willoughby replied: “I’ve read those things, too. It hurts sometimes, because it’s so unfair and untrue, so it’s difficult sometimes. We’re just incredibly lucky.”
She added: “I do really love him. I really love him.”
Talking about whether there is any truth to the rumours that she’s planning on leaving the ITV series, the presenter said she “never thinks like that”.
“The show changes so much, I think that’s the beauty of This Morning. Recently, it’s had the highest ratings it’s had in 15 years. It’s doing really, really well which is extraordinary for a show that’s been around for as long as it has. And I think because it changes and it evolves and it adapts.
“But I think that show has something to teach us a little bit; as long as we keep evolving and changing and moving on and happy to flow with things.”
Willoughby joined This Morning in 2009. The Independent has contacted her for comment.
