EAMONN Holmes has accused Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield of parading a “false friendship” on This Morning.
The TV veteran shared his scathing verdict after The Sun revealed Phil’s nickname for Holly following their catastrophic and his depature from the daytime show.
GB News anchor Eamonn today refused to defend either Phil or Holly during a debate with his co-host Isabel Webster and showbiz reporter Stephanie Tayki on the channel.
Stephanie argued that Holly was forced to save “what was left of her career” after Phil’s affair with a much younger colleague was revealed soon after his brother’s arrest.
Scoffing at the remark, Eamonn said: “Saving her career? Her career has never been stronger. She’s on Netflix, she’s on other stations.
“This Morning is a daytime show she doesn’t need This Morning.”
Stephanie argued: “Well she did at the time.
“And because Phillip Schofield’s career had been tainted he was taking Holly with her.
“So she had to protect what was left of her career. But for Phillip Schofield he saw it as they were ‘in it together’.”
Eamonn shot back: “It was very much a false relationship.”
To which Stephanie asked: “Why would you say that it’s false?”
“Look at the way it ended,” Eamonn went on. “If this was your friend you would come out and say, ‘look something bad has happened here and I don’t agree with it’.
“But she said nothing. Absolutely nothing. She was protecting herself in this.”
Stephanie went on to explain that there were “different sides to it”, suggesting that viewers on This Morning believed in Holly and Phil’s “chemistry” but following the scandal Holly probably wasn’t able “to play ball”.
The Sun revealed how after he was sacked from This Morning, Phil, 62, sent Holly a message and said: “You’ve brought me down.”
By Mary Gallagher
PHILLIP Schofield has finally returned to the screen after a stormy year and the TV world is buzzing.
The former This Morning legend spent ten days alone on an island where he filmed himself talking to camera for the Channel 5 show, Cast Away.
His wife Steph, and daughters Ruby and Mollie sent him off with an emotional final dinner, before he revealed shocking details about his This Morning departure, his personal life, and his fallout with ITV.
However, some ITV insiders have accused him of lying on the show – after he blamed his brother’s arrest for being sacked from This Morning.
Here are the biggest revelations from the interview:
Drowning in guilt
Schofield admitted that he was overwhelmed with guilt following his public exit from This Morning.
He confessed that the controversy surrounding his affair with a younger colleague consumed him emotionally.
“I was drowning,” Schofield revealed, noting that the backlash was far worse than he had anticipated.
ITV fallout: No contact after he left
The presenter didn’t hold back when discussing his fallout with ITV.
Schofield revealed that he hasn’t had any contact with the channel since he was fired.
Schofield blamed his brother for being fired from his lucrative This Morning and Dancing on Ice gigs.
Despite years as one of ITV’s most high-profile stars, the relationship turned frosty after his scandal made headlines.
He said: “Man alive, people can be fake. They can be so fake.
“With you when it’s all going well and suddenly utter, utter betrayal.
“When the tidal wave washed through and it washed everybody away, the ones that were still standing, they’re the ones that matter.
“And I thought, how many friends do you need?
“I don’t need 200 fake friends. I’ve got 10, 15, friends I would die for, and they would die for me.”
His affair wasn’t illegal
The TV veteran addressed the ongoing talk about his affair, clarifying that, while morally wrong, it wasn’t illegal.
He said the relationship happened between “two consenting adults” and denied any improper conduct while the younger colleague worked on This Morning.
Holly Willoughby silence
Surprisingly, Schofield admitted that his friendship with Holly Willoughby has been effectively over since the scandal broke.
Once daytime TV’s golden duo, Schofield confessed they no longer talk, with Holly keeping her distance ever since the affair hit the headlines.
Toxic work culture? Schofield says “No”
Amid reports of a “toxic” work culture at This Morning, Schofield pushed back against the allegations.
He praised the crew and behind-the-scenes staff, calling it a “wonderful place” to work.
The former host seemed baffled by claims of toxicity, despite his own highly public exit.
Struggling with mental health
Schofield also revealed the emotional toll the past year has taken on his mental health. He admitted to having dark thoughts, sharing, “I didn’t see a way forward.”
He thanked his family and close friends, who have been a lifeline throughout the ordeal.
The pair later cut contact and have not been in touch.
A friend said: “Phil feels that he was sacked because of the bad press around his brother. Everyone knew about Tim’s arrest — including Holly.
“They had a backstage make-up room called The Sanctuary at This Morning, where Phil first assembled trusted pals including Holly and told them, tearfully, about his brother. Holly held his hand and was super-kind.
“But Phil feels she distanced herself from it publicly because it was bad for her brand. But she supported Phil and was disgusted by what his brother had done.”
Holly, 43, has yet to publicly respond to the comments but those close to told The Sun she’d never rise to Phil.
A pal added: “Holly isn’t batting an eyelid at this, it’s like she couldn’t care less.
“Phil is coming across as incredibly bitter.
“Holly knows who her friends are and they’re the people she pays attention to.”
