As they returned to our TV screens last week after their luxuriously long Christmas breaks, Holly Willoughby andPhillip Schofield were hoping for a fresh start to put all the negative stories of the past year behind them.
However, their reappearances on This Morning and the new series of Dancing On Ice were overshadowed by scathing accusations by a former colleague.
Jason Gardiner, an ex-judge on the ice skating show, who had worked with Holly and Phil since 2005, blasted them as "fake" and claimed he has not heard from the pair since he left the programme last year.
"Since it was announced I was leaving the show, I’ve had nothing from Phil and Holly. Not even a text message," he said.
"It is hurtful, especially because when Phillip was getting a lot of negative attention recently, I sent him a message of support.
"I thought they would get in touch, but I’ve learnt that this industry is full of fake and disingenuous people. I thought that I was part of the Dancing On Ice family. But obviously I’m not."
Jason, 48, also revealed that he and Phil have rowed in the past.
He continued, "I’ve had my issues with Phillip over the years, and I have always settled my grievances with him man to man. We have shaken hands and those problems have been overcome. He is a brilliant presenter and very professional.
"But I also know he is not somebody I’d have a close personal friendship with."
The Australian choreographer also revealed that his mental health suffered during his run on the show last year, following a series of “poisonous rows” behind the scenes after he filed a lawsuit against contestant Gemma Collins, who had accused him of “selling stories” about her.
"Through all of this, not one person asked if I was OK, and after that, everything was soured," he recalled.
"Every time I walked into the studio, I felt like the knives were out for me and that I couldn’t trust anyone there. I had no support, and the atmosphere on set was cold and tense – like I was already on the outside."
And if Jason’s comments about Holly and Phil weren’t enough to spoil their post-holiday mood, their return to This Morning – which now starts at 10am instead of 10.30am – also received an underwhelming response.
Check out: everything Holly Willoughby wore on This Morning this week and where you can buy 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
"I can’t stand Phil and Holly. They are so fake," said one viewer, with another adding, "As it’s a new year, can we have new presenters and get rid of Phil and Holly?
However, they still have their supporters, with one saying they "loved" having them back on air, and were "so pleased" to see them after a three-week break.
Holly, 38, and Phil’s Dancing On Ice comeback sparked more negative remarks, with one viewer saying, "Is it just me or is there obvious tension between Holly and Phil? She looks so uncomfortable." A second person wrote, "The tension between Holly and Phil is palpable."
Others called them "insincere", "false" and "staged", with one saying, "Sounds like they are papering over the cracks."
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This suspected friction comes after their friendship was tested by stories of a rift between them, amid claims that Phil, 57, has upset eight ITV stars with his behaviour – Amanda Holden, who has just signed a new £3million, three-year deal with Britain’s Got Talent, is the only big name who has gone on record.
Holly and Phil have laughed off the rumours that there’s any bad blood between them, with Holly saying, "You couldn’t do the amount of hours of TV that we do with each other without getting on."
Phil added, "We have such a laugh. We’re best mates. I adore working with her, she’s just perfect."
Holly kicked off 2020 on a positive note, writing on Instagram, "To kindness and love…" So, this hasn’t been the best start to the year.
You can read more celebrity news in this week's Bella magazine - out now.