Holly Willoughby dodged a question about whether she ‘missed’ former This Morning co-host Phillip Schofield at the National Television Awards.
The 42 year presenter was on the red carpet ahead of Tuesday night’s ceremony when she ignored a series of questions from a TV reporter. It came just hours Phillip, 61, unfollowed former pal Holly on Instagram.
It has been a tumultuous year for This Morning after it was rocked by Phillip’s affair scandal. He left the popular ITV show in May and later admitted to an "unwise but not illegal" fling with a much younger colleague.
Phillip was axed by station bosses after lying about the affair during an internal investigation – and the show was also hit by claims of bullying by former resident doctor Ranj Singh.
The difficult year was reflected in Tuesday’s NTAs as This Morning failed to scoop an award for the first time in 13 years – losing out to BBC's The Repair Shop. The scandal plagued ITV show was booed by the audience at the awards bash and Holly was left ’close to tears’ after failing to win a gong.
And before the ceremony began, Holly was approached by a Talk TV reporter, who first asked whether there were still bullying allegations at This Morning. Holly ignored the question and continued chatting to fans.
“Are you missing Phil being here?” the reporter added. Holly dodged that question too – before an aide and a security guard stepped in to stop any further probing.
Holly did address her ’difficult year’ while talking to the press during the event at London's O2 Arena. Speaking to OK!, she said: “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 added: “People want things to move on. It feels different.”
Whilst on the red carpet prior to the ceremony, Holly also addressed the toxic claims about the show. Speaking to OK!, she added: "I know there's been lots of reports about things and for me personally, you know, I don't want to speak on behalf of other people, but it's a world I honestly don't recognise."
Holly continued: "I think that we all look after each other is the honest truth."
After the disappointment of the awards bash, Holly posted a picture on Instagram showing her devouring a consolation prize – a greasy cheeseburger. She captioned it: “Say (quarter pounder with) CHEESE.”
Holly had previously shared a black and white snap as she posed beside Jay Blades, presenter of winning show The Repair Shop.
"To this gorgeous man @jaybladesmbe and the whole team at @therepairshoptv … Hugest Congratulations!!!”
Phillip, meanwhile, was absent from the ceremony. After he admitted the affair earlier this year, he was dropped by his talent agency YMU – who he had worked with for two decades – while his portfolio of brand deals also took a hit.
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