'Holly doesn't need Phil - they're not Ant and Dec'

A source tells new there have been tensions between This Morning presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield for months

- Eve Macdonald

Rumours of a rift between This Morning dream team Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield have been circulating ever since their separate absences from the show. Holly, 42, was off ill with shingles, which seemed to swiftly follow Phil’s time away during the trial of his brother, who was charged with 11 sexual offences involving a child.

But now Phil, 61, has addressed the reported fallout and what this could mean for the pair. He said, “The last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us. 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. Holly has always been there for me, through thick and thin. And I’ve been there for her.”

However, it appears that Holly had no idea Phil would be speaking to the press and is reportedly feeling “blindsided”, following claims they are “not as close as they once were”.

And now, a source has exclusively revealed to new, “There have been tensions between Phil and Holly for months. They recently went to Keith Lemon’s birthday party and they didn’t talk all night. Holly also presented This Morning with Alison Hammond and it made her realise she’s her own person and doesn’t need Phil by her side. They’re not Ant and Dec.