Holly Willoughby has suffered a tough few weeks as speculation about a feud with former best friend Phillip Schofield culminated in him confessing to a ‘deceitful’ affair.
Last Friday, Schofield issued a statement saying he had lied to friends, colleagues and bosses about his relationship with a young runner on This Morning.
Yet many viewers could not believe that Holly was not aware of what had been going on.
Read more: Holly Willoughby claims about Phillip Schofield fall on deaf ears
Amidst fierce backlash against her, as well as Schofield, Holly dashed out her own stinging statement on Saturday evening, writing: “It’s taken time to process yesterday’s news.
“When reports of this relationship first surfaced, I asked Phil directly if this was true and was told it was not. It’s been very hurtful to now find out that this was a lie.”
But calls for Holly, 42, to also quit This Morning have continued this week – from viewers and celebrities such as Eamonn Holmes alike.
‘I have to take a step back from this’
Now, Schofield has spoken out to defend his one-time best friend in an interview with The Sun, admitting: “I’ve lost my best friend. I let her down (Holly).
“Holly did not know (about the romance). And she was one of the first texts that I sent, to say, ‘I am so, so sorry that I lied to you.
“She didn’t reply and I understand why she didn’t reply, as well. So yeah. If anyone is in any way linking Holly to this; that is absolutely, wholly untrue.
“Quite rightly, she is going to take a step back and think, ‘I have to step back from this’, and I understand that completely.
Holly is currently sunning herself in Portugal – where she often holidayed with her former best pal – with her close family, including her mum and older sister, Kelly.
Holly’s comeback
She will return to This Morning on Monday, June 5 and will co-host with a mix of stars, including Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary.
ITV is yet to confirm whether it will replace Schofield’s role – and who would fill his shoes.
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