Inside Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield’s friendship – from co-stars to ‘fall out’

and once held a place in the hearts of millions as one of Britain’s most adored TV duos, with fans eagerly waking up each morning to their easy chemistry on

But the era of Holly and Phillip on the iconic daytime show came to an abrupt end for good when Holly shocked viewers by announcing her resignation, following months of speculation. It followed Phillip’s sudden departure last year amid his inappropriate affair with a younger colleague.

The two were not only co-hosts on This Morning but also presented together, cementing their status as one of TV’s most formidable double acts.

However, after Phillip’s dramatic exit in May, Holly made the difficult decision to leave after facing an alleged kidnap plot.

For months, there have been persistent whispers of tension between the former co-stars, with insiders hinting at a “fallout” behind the scenes. Now, with Phillip preparing for a surprise TV comeback, we take a look back at the rise and fall of their friendship, through the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Jealousy

In 2019, reports surfaced that Holly and Phillip’s once-tight working relationship had become “strained,” with claims suggesting Phillip felt “jealous” of Holly’s success after she stepped in for Ant McPartlin on the 2018 series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here. Holly’s stint on the show was so well-received that it earned her a coveted BAFTA, allegedly sparking tension between the pair.

Sources claimed that Phillip was unhappy about the attention Holly received, going as far as to reportedly ban her from mentioning the BAFTA win when they reunited on This Morning. An insider told The Sun: “Phillip was furious. He didn’t want Holly mentioning her triumph when they reunited on This Morning. It felt very petty and bitter for someone who is his close friend. But it felt like he was jealous.”

It was also reported that Holly asked Phillip to stop posting videos of her drinking on social media, using their management team to convey the message. However, This Morning bosses denied the feud, asserting that Phillip and Holly shared a “genuine friendship.” ITV issued a statement, calling the rumors “deeply disappointing” and reaffirming their strong bond, saying: “Holly and Phil are great friends both on and off screen and are popular among viewers and colleagues alike.”

Holly later addressed the rumors on Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast, saying: “I was watching from afar when you’ve got every person in the press saying that you and Phillip are having a tough time. Meanwhile, you’re great friends and there were no arguments.”

Betrayal

Despite their long-standing friendship, it has been reported that kept Holly Willoughby unaware of personal issues involving his brother. Timothy Schofield was sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing a teenage boy, with Phillip taking time away from This Morning during the ordeal.

Holly, who had been a close confidante and colleague for many years, reportedly learned of the situation from another source.

However, fans were left puzzled when, shortly after Phillip’s return to the show, Holly Willoughby was absent for a week due to illness with shingles.

An insider reportedly told the Daily Mail: “Holly had to find out from someone else, which must have been awful for her. She has been so loyal to him.”

The timing of Holly’s absence sparked further speculation about the pair’s relationship, with many wondering if there was more to the story behind the scenes.

Affair Admission

Just days after his sudden departure from This Morning, made a shocking confession, admitting to an affair with a younger colleague from the show. The revelation led to him being dropped by his talent agency, YMU, and stepping down from all of his ITV commitments with immediate effect.

Holly Willoughby took to social media to break her silence, expressing her hurt over the situation. She wrote: “It’s taken time to process yesterday’s news. When reports of this relationship first surfaced, I asked Phil directly if this was true and was told it was not. It’s been very hurtful to now find out that this was a lie. Holly.”

In a series of interviews, Phillip revealed that he reached out to Holly after the news broke but didn’t receive a reply. “The last time we had a conversation was when I texted Holly and said, ‘Don’t reply, you’re probably not allowed to, but I am deeply deeply sorry that I lied to you.'”

Following a brief break, Holly returned to This Morning and addressed the audience: “You, me and all of us at This Morning gave our love and support to someone who was not telling the truth… I hope that as we start this new chapter, we can find strength in each other.”

Co-Star Reaction

As ’s exit from This Morning unfolded, many of ITV’s biggest stars remained silent on the matter. However, former This Morning presenter wasn’t shy about sharing his thoughts during an appearance on his GB News breakfast show. He didn’t mince words, declaring: “I think there should’ve been a special award for and Holly Willoughby for best actors,” and suggesting that “there was a broken fit between the two of them.”

Following Phillip’s resignation, Eamonn hit out again, saying: “Oh please just stop this. He was sacked. All this nonsense of ‘I’ve decided to step down.’ I’m sure you did – here’s your P45, now step down.”

ITV’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, Kevin Lygo, responded paying tribute to Phillip’s work on the show: “Phillip is hands down one of the best broadcasters of his generation, and we thank him for his two decades worth of absolutely terrific television on the This Morning sofa.”

On This Morning, Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary also took a moment to pay their respects to Phillip. Alison began the show by saying: “Now, we can’t start today’s show without paying tribute to the man who spent the last two decades sitting on the This Morning sofa, .”

Dermot followed up by adding: “So, as a show, everyone on and off screen at ITV, and This Morning, want to say a huge thank you to Phil for what he’s done to make this show such a success over the last 21 years.”

Distancing herself

Before ’s exit from This Morning was confirmed, fans had already begun noticing subtle signs that Holly Willoughby was distancing herself from her long-time co-host. Eagle-eyed followers spotted that Holly had quietly removed references to Phillip from her social media profiles. Her Twitter bio once included the line: “I was introduced to this by a Twitter legend,” tagging Phillip. Now, her bio simply reads: “Broadcaster, Founder of Wyldemoon, Brand ambassador for Marks & Spencer and Garnier, Author of Reflections.”

Behind the scenes, it was rumoured that Holly had been pushing ITV for clarity on the future of the show, particularly with regard to Phillip’s position. Sources suggested she was keen to rebrand herself as a “woman’s woman” and was eager for a resolution.

A source told The Mirror: “Holly was considering her position on the show earlier this year, as she couldn’t see Phil being ousted. But that is now a real possibility, and she wants to see a decision made on both of their futures quickly.”

The insider continued at the time: “That is what’s behind Holly asking her team to reach out to ITV – she’s trying to move things forward. There has been no bloodbath meeting yet, but that could well be to come. The sooner it happens, the sooner she can rebrand herself.”

Shock statement

moved to quash rumours of a rift between him and Holly Willoughby in a statement given to The Sun, in which he praised her unwavering support during a difficult time. Referring to her as his “rock,” Phillip said: “The last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us. 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.”

Phillip emphasized their strong bond, stating Holly had been by his side through “thick and thin.” However, despite his public show of unity, Holly was reportedly left feeling “blindsided” and “deeply upset” by Phillip’s decision to address the rumours without consulting her. According to insiders, she was unaware he planned to speak publicly about the state of their friendship.

A source went on to claim the statement was seen as “desperate stuff” from Phillip, given the state of their relationship at the time. Holly, notably, did not issue a public response.

Missing Tribute

When made the surprise announcement that he was stepping down from This Morning, his statement notably made no mention of his co-host of over 13 years, Holly Willoughby.

In his statement, Phillip said: “I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story. Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind. I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love.”

He continued: “So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month.”

Fans quickly took to social media to express their surprise at the omission of Holly from his farewell, with one commenting: “Working with someone that long and no mention of them in your statement…”

Meanwhile, Holly took to to share a heartfelt tribute to Phillip, writing: “Hi everyone… It’s been over 13 great years presenting This Morning with Phil and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all of his knowledge, his experience and his humour. The sofa won’t feel the same without him.”