Holly Willoughby was nowhere to be seen as This Morning returned to screens. The ITV daytime show was back on Monday (May 22) for the first time since it was announced that Phillip had sensationally quit This Morning after 20 years.
The presenter said in a statement that the programme had 'become the story' and that he wanted to "do what I can to protect the show that I love" after rumours were rife that he and Holly, 42, were 'barely speaking' behind the scenes amid a 'rift' between the pair.
But amid the claims, Phillip, 61, hailed Holly as his "rock" in an unusual statement to The Sun before his exit. 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. The last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us."
