THIS Morning fans claimed Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield were “trying too hard” to look like they were getting on during today’s show after their tense relationship was revealed.
The programme opened with the pair laughing and joking on a Ferris wheel, which struck some viewers as an attempt to distract from news of the This Morning feud.
It comes after The Sun exclusively revealed the pair’s relationship has become increasingly strained, while Ruth Langsford put in a complaint about Phillip.
Taking to Twitter to discuss their appearance today, one person remarked: “Omg they’re both trying a bit too hard.”
Another joked: “‘F**k how can we distract everyone from the ongoing feud rumors with Phil’, ‘I know! Hear me out.. how about we just throw a fair randomly?’ Genius!”
Someone else added: “So is @Schofe and @hollywills going to make a comment on the elephant in the room? It’s the only reason we are watching still right???”
Nice way to cover up the big #phillipschofield feud then
#ThisMorning
— Fin
(@FinEarly) December 9, 2019
Is it me or do Holly and Phil look like they’ve had a falling out looks awkward #ThisMorning
— ✯ ???????????????????????????????? ✯
(@EatPieKillDemon) December 9, 2019
Over the weekend The Sun reported how eight star ITV presenters have described a “toxic” environment at This Morning.
It follows Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden’s allegation that Phillip got her banned from presenting on the show.
One household name said: “For so long people have been silenced because they are scared for their job. If they speak out publicly about the atmosphere they fear there could be repercussions.”
Phillip and Holly’s most recent bust-up was over his apparent jealousy when she won a Bafta in May for I’m A Celebrity where she had filled in for Ant McPartlin — but he didn’t want her to celebrate the win on This Morning.
An ITV source revealed: “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.”
To make matters worse, Ruth Langsford, 59 — wife of fellow This Morning Friday presenter Eamonn Holmes — has made a formal complaint to ITV’s embattled new head of daytime TV Emma Gormley over Phillip’s conduct.
It followed an incident in April which saw Phillip rudely interrupt Ruth while she was presenting a preview of Loose Women during an episode of This Morning.
Ruth decided to exclude Phillip from the guest list for Eamonn’s 60th birthday party.
