06 September 2023 , 09:00
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Holly Willoughby seemingly took a swipe at Phillip Schofield after being asked if she, in any way, 'missed' her former This Morning co-star. Only hours after being unfollowed by her fellow TV presenter on Instagram, the 42-year-old appeared to 'snub' red carpet reporters.
Schofield, who exited ITV after admitting an "unwise but not illegal" affair with a younger male colleague, unfollowed his ex-best pal off the social media app before Tuesday night's ceremony kicked off. While at the glitzy get-together at London's O2, Holly mentioned it had been a "difficult year".
"If I am really honest, it has been up and down. It has been a difficult year for everybody but what’s lovely is you find that people rally around you and the goodwill is there," she admitted to press on the red carpet. After vaguely answering some questions, Holly walked away from journalists.
Phil unfollowed Holly on social media ahead of the NTAs (ITV)"People want things to move on. It feels different," Holly told The Sun. After being asked if she 'missed' her former sofa co-star, she began to dodge questions, also ignoring an enquiry from another reporter who asked about 'bullying' at This Morning. An aide and a security guard reportedly stepped in to 'stop any further questioning'. This Morning later lost out on the National Television Award for Best Daytime Show, breaking their 13-year award-winning streak.
The ITV show has had a tough time as of late, after Phillip stepped down earlier this year. At the time, he had admitted to the relationship with a younger member of staff. Following the summer break, which saw her leave the show for her trip without saying goodbye, Holly is now presenting the show alongside a rotation of presenters including Alison Hammond, who sat alongside her at the NTAs.
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There had also been claims of a 'toxic' atmosphere backstage on the ITV show, all of which has been denied by bosses. Last night was the first award This Morning had been up for since Phillip stepped down from his role on the programme. They were up against their fellow ITV stars, Loose Women, as well as quiz show The Chase and BBC's much-loved The Repair Shop.
It was The Repair Shop who took home the Daytime win. In their speech, they thanked their loyal viewers. As Holly returned to This Morning on Monday after an extended summer break, fans were left divided by the opening to her return episode, with some describing it as "cringe" and others confessing they were ready to switch off.
The presenter was joined by Alison as both they and viewers were treated to a performance from Mamma Mia before Holly revealed the ITV programme was kicking off a "new season for our show". She said: "For many people out there today it's the first day back at school, mine went back today," to which Alison asked if it all went ok.
"All good except we all opened the window today and went, 'Oh! Summer decided to arrive today when we're back [at school and work]," Holly replied - but fans were left divided with the opening, and described it as "peak cringe".