Matthew Wright, a This Morning regular, attempted to reject rumours of friction between Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
It’s been reported that despite their long-standing friendship and professional connection on TV, Phillip, 61, and Holly, 41, no longer chatted behind the scenes since their closeness had ‘cooled’.
However, while rumours about their friendship continue to circulate behind the scenes, the couple have refused to address the topic during this week’s show.
Journalist Matthew appeared on the afternoon show with LBC broadcaster Nick Ferrari on Tuesday.
Following his stint, Matthew tweeted: ‘Not sure I believe half of what you read about Holly and Phil.
‘Terrific atmosphere on set today as per.’
Not sure I believe half of what you read about Holly and Phil. Terrific atmosphere on set today as per 🥰🤷♂️
— Matthew Wright (@Matthew_Wright) May 16, 2023
Despite the cheerful faces, it has lately been reported that This Morning will undergo significant changes, with Phillip’s return to the show ‘very improbable’ in September.
According to a source, ‘designs are being made up for a new look’ for the programme, and ‘at the moment, Phil is not appearing in them’.
‘This Morning is preparing for some seismic changes this summer — and Phil is lined up as the first major name for the chop when his contract expires this summer,’ they told The Sun.
They continued: ‘The shake-up is going to be from the top down and no one, no matter their status, is bigger than the show.’
According to the source, This Morning chief Martin Frizell is also under consideration for firing.
‘There is talk behind the scenes of Martin also being knifed as a bit of a fall guy, too – which might save some of the even more senior executives at the broadcaster if things spiral further,’ they alleged.
‘He has steered the ship for a long time but his handling of “Queuegate” and now Holly and Phil’s row has been viewed by some as calamitous, and many junior members of staff have struggled with his old-school way of working.’
In a statement shared last week, Phillip described Holly as his ‘rock’.
‘As I have said before, Holly is my rock,’ he said. ‘We’re the best of friends — as always, she is an incredible support on screen, behind the scenes and on the phone.’
He continued to The Sun: ‘Holly has always been there for me, through thick and thin. And I’ve been there for her.
‘The last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us.’
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.
Source My Celebrity Life.