On the left, Holly Willoughby talking. Split by a diagonal pink line. On the right, Vanessa Feltz talking on This Morning today
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This Morning viewers divided over Holly Willoughby as she defends Meghan against backlash

Awkward...

On This Morning today, Holly Willoughby divided fans after defending Meghan Markle against backlash from Vanessa Feltz.

Holly and co-host Phillip Schofield defended Meghan, saying, “no matter what she does, she’ll get criticised”.

Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield sit on This Morning couch today along with Vanessa Feltz, while Nick Ferrari appears on a screen behind her.
Vanessa Feltz joined Holly and Phil to discuss today’s headlines (Credit: ITV)

Holly Willoughby on This Morning today

At the beginning of the segment, Holly mentioned that people were criticising Meghan for ‘referencing herself 54 times in a seven-minute speech’.

I just think it’s unfair to talk about her outfit and not his

She said: “Is that fair or is it unfair because I feel like most people, when they do speeches, somehow bring it back to themselves somewhat.”

Phillip agreed by saying, “Especially if you’re talking about your story. ‘Here was my background. Here I am. I got a seat at the table. If I can get a seat at the table, you can get a seat at the table.’ You would expect that.”

However, guest Vanessa expressed that she felt Meghan’s speech was not sincere or endearing enough and was ‘incredibly self-referential’.

Meghan Markle wearing white.
Meghan was criticised for being ‘incredibly self-referential’ in her speech at the One Young World summit (Credit: Splashnews.com)

When Holly decided to change the subject to the royal couple taking the train instead of flying.

She said: “She did get the train though yesterday. You see an awful lot of press about them getting private jets here, there and everywhere.”

Vanessa replied: “Yes, and look at that four or five thousand pound Valentino outfit to be just a humble girl from Suits.”

Phil then butted in to say: “I mean, you just get the feeling that no matter what she does, she’ll get criticised.”

Exasperated, Holly bluntly said: “I wonder how much Harry’s suit was? I’m sure he’s not wearing something off the rack, and it might be, but who cares.

“I just think it’s unfair to talk about her outfit and not his.”

Phillip then quickly changed the conversation due to the awkward atmosphere.

Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby on This Morning today
Holly defended Meghan (Credit: ITV)

Viewer reactions

This Morning viewers were divided over the exchange, with some supporting Holly and Phil.

“Very well said Holly, defending Megan as a woman. Vanessa not doing very well at all,” said one viewer in defence of Holly and Meghan.

“Good on you, Holly and Phil, for sticking up for MM,” said another.

A third wrote: “@thismorning Good for Holly @hollywills. You spoke facts, and ‘they’ didn’t want to hear it. Doesn’t fit the hate-no matter what agenda. #ThisMorning @Schofe tried, too.”

Read more: Harry and Meghan fans all saying same thing about their behaviour together 

However, other viewers thought that the exchange was awkward and ‘rude’.

“@VanessaOnAir always says it AS IT IS! Good for you!@hollywills was rude back chatting during the Megan/Harry discussion,” said one viewer in defence of Vanessa.

“Why is Holly supporting Megan.. oh because they’re such similar ego maniacs,” said another.

“Hypocrite Holly, whose wardrobe cost could possibly feed a small country. Markle is the one putting herself on the world stage, not Harry on this occasion so stop blowing smoke up one’s backside Holly.”

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