Holly Willoughby has spoken out as she returned to the This Morning set for the first time since her co-host Phillip Schofield admitted to an affair with a young colleague.
The TV star, 42, presented the show alongside Josie Gibson as she addressed the controversy surrounding ITV and Phillip's exit from the broadcaster.
Holly said she felt “shaken, troubled, let down and worried”, adding “we gave our love and support to someone who was not telling the truth".
"Josie, thank you for being here," Holly said as she held Josie's hand.
"Deep breath – firstly, are you OK? I hope so.
"It feels very strange sitting here without Phil and I imagine you might be feeling a lot like I have – shaken, troubled, let down, worried for the wellbeing of people on all sides of what's been going on, and full of questions.
"You, me and all of us at This Morning gave our love and support to someone who was not telling the truth, who acted in a way that they themselves felt that they had to resign from ITV and step down from a career that they loved. That is a lot to process.
"And it's equally hard to see the toll that it's taken on their own mental health. I think what unites us all now is a desire to heal for the health and wellbeing of everyone.
"I hope that as we start this new chapter and get back to a place of warmth and magic that this show holds for all of us, we can find strength in each other.
"And from my own heart, can I just say thank you for all of your kind messages and thank you for being here this morning.
"Myself, Josie, Dermot, Alison and Craig and every single person on this show will continue to work hard every single day to bring you the show that we love."
Phillip Schofield stepped down from ITV last month after admitting he had an "unwise but not illegal" affair with a young colleague who worked as a runner on This Morning.
Holly's former co-host reportedly "won't be watching" her return to TV this week, as he finds the situation "too triggering".
Speaking to The Sun, a friend of the former This Morning presenter said: "He physically could not watch — he's not there yet. Even listening to the opening credits would be hugely triggering.
"His family is being incredibly careful not to have the TV on when he’s in the room to ensure he doesn’t see anything.
"Of course he is aware Holly is back on air today and he absolutely wanted her to shine, and smash it. But he physically could not watch — he is not there yet."
During an interview with The Sun, Phillip claimed that he has reached out to his former close friend to apologise to "lying" to her about the affair, but has not had a response.
"Of course he is aware Holly is back on air today and he absolutely wanted her to shine, and smash it. But he physically could not watch — he is not there yet."
Later in the interview Phillip denied the rumours of a "feud" between the pair as he called the 42 year old his "TV sister."
READ MORE:
- Click here for today's top showbiz stories
Heartbreaking moment Phillip Schofield tells devastated mum he is sacked from ITV
Made In Chelsea's Cheska Hull announces engagement and shares dazzling ring snap
Millie Mackintosh shows off her stunning garden transformation
Inside Michelle Keegan's 36th birthday with balloon arch and cocktail bar
Source: Read Full Article
