Phillip Schofield praised for defending Holly Willoughby after DOI judge snaps at her

Phillip Schofield rushed to defend his Dancing On Ice co-presenter Holly Willoughby after she was told off by judge Jason Gardiner – and viewers loved it.

Many called Phil “a legend” after he warned Gardiner: “Don’t snap at my girl!”

The light-hearted row started when Holly piped up as Jason was dishing out criticism to contestant Stephanie Waring following her turn on the ice.

She pointed out that it was only week one, leading the judge to snap that that was why he was giving Waring tips, so she could improve.

Phil then jumped in and jokingly warned Jason: “Don’t you snap at my girl! Don’t you snap at her!”

Gardiner replied: “It’s ridiculous to say it is week one, I know it is week one.”

Schofield’s comments drew cheers from the audience, and went down a storm on social media.

Read more: DOI viewers slam Antony Cotton’s behaviour

“Everyone needs a friend like Phillip Schofield,” said one fan on Twitter.

“‘Don’t you snap at my girl! Don’t you snap at her!’ @Schofe comes to the rescue!!” said another delighted viewer.

“What a legend,” posted another, and one said: “I love Phillip Schofield sticking up for Holly. “Don’t you snap at my girl” that’s a true friend right there.”

“When is Schofe going to get a knighthood?,” asked another.

Read more: DOI viewers baffled by Holly’s footwear

The moment also triggered some hilarious pictures and memes.

Friendship goals, or what?!