On Friday, Holly Willoughby showed just how close she is to her This Morning co-star Phillip Schofield as she sat down with him on the sofa to talk about his recent revelation that he is gay. Holly and Phil, who have been dogged by reports of backstage tension, spoke about the presenter's decision to come out, with Holly saying she was "so proud" of her best friend. Ahead of the show, she also took to Instagram to write: "Never been more proud of my friend than I am today. We'll be together at 10am on This Morning x."
WATCH: The emotional moment Phillip Schofield comes out as gay on This Morning
Just days before the TV interview, Holly, 38, spoke out to quash the 'feud' claims, insisting that what you see on the show is an accurate reflection of their real-life friendship. "It's funny because we knew this would probably come up," she said in a new interview with Closer magazine. "Actually, it's been quite an easy one for us because there's nothing to defend. We ring each other and talk to each other all the time anyway, about this and other things."
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The popular TV star further went on to address claims that the co-hosts "fake" their on-screen relationship. "We know what we're like. It would be impossible for us to fake the giggles," she stated. "I'm on the telly for two-and-a-half hours – let me tell you, I'm not that good an actress. If I was, I'd be doing something else."
Holly said she was "so proud" of her best friend Phillip
Holly's remarks follow claims of backstage feuding at ITV. It was reported that there were tensions between Phil and Holly, as well as between Phil and presenter Ruth Langsford, which ITV denied in December last year. "It's deeply disappointing and unfair for Phillip to be the target of this sort of malicious gossip," an ITV spokesperson said at the time. "Phillip is a much respected broadcaster and colleague and this is absolutely not a description of This Morning that we recognise. Holly and Phil are great friends both on and off screen and are popular among viewers and colleagues alike."
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Phillip, 57, previously told the Mail on Sunday that he is baffled by the rumours. "Can you imagine a feud between us ever happening?" he said. "We are so open on the show, we are so open online and we go on holiday together. Holly is the sister I never had, we think at the same speed. It's so organic… it's a shame."
