Holly Willoughby's wise move appreciated amid Phillip Schofield’s hurtful attempts

Tensions between Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby have reportedly intensified since Schofield’s exit from This Morning in May 2023.

His departure followed a controversial revelation about his relationship with a younger male colleague, which he described as "unwise but not illegal."

Since then, Schofield’s attempts to discredit Holly have allegedly failed, as sources claim she has maintained her composure and focus. Despite the growing public fallout, Holly’s professionalism continues to resonate, shielding her from the negative impacts of the feud.

After being off-screen for 16 months, Phillip Schofield returned to television with his new Channel 5 show Cast Away last month, which stirred fresh controversy.

Meanwhile, Holly Willoughby had openly shared her emotional reaction to Schofield’s sudden departure from This Morning. She expressed feelings of being "shaken" and "let down," emphasising her concerns for both their professional relationship and the wider implications for their work. 

The fallout from Phillip’s exit continues to affect both personalities, though Holly remains focused on her personal projects, including her lifestyle brand.

Additionally, Phillip seemed to take a swipe at Holly during his appearance on Cast Away, echoing her words to ITV viewers with his own phrase: "If you're OK, then we're OK, and I'm OK... are you OK?"

However, Bella magazine was informed by a source that despite Phillip's "efforts" to discredit Holly, she has remained resilient.

The source stated: "Despite Phillip's best efforts to shoot Holly down, his mission has been futile as Holly's resistance has seen her through. Her dignified professional silence has netted herself personal success."

A close friend of Phillip Schofield spilled to the Mirror that when Holly didn't back him, he knew his two-decade run on This Morning was over. The pal revealed Phillip saw it as a "simple gesture" that could have been career-saving, yet her lack of support "effectively finished him off," reports the Express.

They emphasised the critical role of "believing in the TV chemistry".

A source previously claimed: "Phillip considered her a friend, his TV sister as he called her, and always backed her, even recommending her to do the jungle. Her lack of public support was a low blow in his eyes."

Holly, who has also left This Morning, didn't publicly address Phillip's TV return and has instead been focusing on her official lifestyle brand, Wylde Moon.