They’re the television duo known for their brilliant on-screen chemistry, but recently Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield have been hit by speculation over the state of their behind-the-scenes relationship, with reports of a bitter rift between the pair.
The two long-term hosts of This Morning began presenting together in 2009 when Fern Britton – whose own relationship with co-presenter Phil was famously frosty – announced her exit after ten years on the popular ITV show.
And last year, reports emerged there was tension between Phil and former co-host Amanda Holden, after she accused him of blocking her from sitting in for Holly while she filled in for Ant McPartlin on I’m A Celeb! in Australia.
Holly, 38, and Phil, 57 – who also host Dancing On Ice together – were rumoured to have clashed over a magazine cover shoot they both took part in, where Holly was featured with a crown drawn over her head in crayon alongside the headline, 'Queen Holly: How Holly Willoughby eclipsed Philip Schofield and became Britain’s hottest TV star'.
Check out: everything Holly Willoughby has wore on This Morning and where you can get high street dupes
Holly Willoughby: All her clothes from This Morning and where to get it cheaper on the high street
1 of 6TUESDAY 3 May
Today Holly has opted for a smart casual look. She's wearing a blue floral ruffle top, black trousers and black heels. What we're loving about this outfit is that you can dress it up with heels like Holly, or keep it casual with trainers. Holly's outfit costs more than £150 but we've found a high street dupe...What Holly is wearing:Ditsy floral contrast broderie ruffle blouse, Warehouse, £69.Clara trousers, Sezane, £95.**Where you can get Holly's look for less on the high street:**From New Look you can recreate Holly's entire outfit for less than £40...
2 of 6holly willoughby this morning outfit 3 may 2022
3 of 6WEDNESDAY 4 May
It's Wednesday and again Holly has opted for a smart/casual outfit. She's paired a white shirt, green midi skirt and nude heels together. Again this is a great outfit if you're heading into the office or going out for lunch with the girls. Holly's outfit is on the pricer side, so we've found a similar look that'll save you some cash...What Holly is wearing:Pure Collection linen shirt, John Lewis, £85.Suede wrap skirt, Jigsaw, £285.**Where you can get Holly's look for less on the high street:**From River Island you can copy Holly's style for less than £70...
4 of 6holly willoughby 4 may 2022
5 of 6THURSDAY 5 May
It's Thursday and for her final look of the week, Holly is wearing a blue and white floral dress. The This Morning presenter looks gorgeous and we're loving this dress. We're not the biggest fan of the £200+ price though, so we've found a high street dupe.What Holly is wearing:Fellini blue and cream tropical print cotton shirt dress, L.K. Bennett London, £299.**Where you can get Holly's look for less on the high street:**From Forever Unique you can recreate Holly's outfit for less than £60...
6 of 6holly willoughby this morning outfit
Phil then hit back at claims of backstage tension, saying, "It’s a shame... We are so open on the show and online, and we go on holiday together. Holly is the sister I never had. We think at the same speed. The atmosphere in our studio is so wonderful."
At the National Television Awards last week, Holly and Phil hugged happily as This Morning was announced as a winner, seemingly quashing the feud rumours.
And during an exclusive chat with Closer, Holly insists they’re as close on screen as they are off. She says, "It’s funny, because we knew this would probably come up. Actually, it’s been quite an easy one for us, because there’s nothing to defend. We ring each other and talk to each other all the time anyway, about this and other things.
"We know what we’re like. It would be impossible for us to fake the giggles. I’m on the telly for two and a half hours – let me tell you, I’m not that good an actress. If I was, I’d be doing something else."
As one of television’s most in-demand presenters, Holly, 38, juggles her family – husband Dan Baldwin [a TV producer], and three children, Harry, ten, Belle, eight, and Chester, five – with her TV presenting schedule, which includes Celebrity Juice.
“It’s well balanced,” she says. “Celebrity Juice finishes, and then there’s a bit of time before Dancing On Ice begins, so it’s not too bad. I only work four mornings a week, so although it looks [busy], it’s actually really manageable. I’m pretty good at pulling back whenever I feel like it’s getting too much.”
Holly makes sure she does the home-time school run every afternoon and loves being as hands-on as possible.
She says, “I do have a nanny, otherwise the kids would have to walk themselves to school! A good work-life balance is, for me, the most important thing – and the biggest challenge I have. I’m lucky I do a job that allows me to be able to do school pick-ups, so I feel quite blessed to have that.”
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Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield's 29 funniest This Morning moments
While Holly is one of the most popular presenters on television, with an impressive 6.1m Instagram followers, she tends to keep her family life private. While she never shows her children’s faces on social media, she regularly mentions them on This Morning – and she loves taking them to work with her.
She says, "My children love Dancing On Ice. It’s on a Sunday, and I can work it so one of them can come [to the studio] with me and spend the day here. They love it, as the professionals take them out on the ice."
You can read more celebrity news in this week's Closer magazine - out now.