05 September 2023 , 22:48
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Holly Willoughby has admitted the past year has been a "world she doesn't recognise" following the This Morning scandal.
The TV presenter's world was rocked amid rumours of a feud between herself and colleague Phillip Schofield earlier this year. It all came to a head when veteran broadcaster Schofield admitted to having an "unwise" but "not illegal" affair with a younger colleague at the ITV show. Holly later shared a statement slamming Schofield before the former This Morning star spoke out to reveal he had apologised to his former best friend over text – but didn't get a reply.
Months later, it appears the feud between the once close pals has not cooled as Schofield's Instagram profile no longer follows Holly's on the platform. The mum-of-three attended the National Television Awards solo for the first time, where she addressed the "difficult year". Holly admitted it feels like a "world she doesn't recognise" following the scandal breaking.
Holly attended the NTAs solo for the first time (Ash Knotek/REX/Shutterstock for NTA)
Holly confessed it has been a 'difficult year' (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)She told OK!: "This last year has been quite difficult at times. You know, if I'm really honest, it's been up and down. I think it's been a really difficult year for everybody but what's lovely is you find that people rally around you and, you know, the goodwill is there." Holly also explained that "people want things to move on".
Ahead of the award show, Holly posted a cryptic comment on her social media just hours after it was revealed Phillip had unfollowed her. She addressed "new beginnings" after the brutal social media snub and turned her focus to "positivity". Taking to her lifestyle brand Wylde Moon's account, she wrote: "This week’s lunar phase is the Third Quarter Moon.
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"It’s known as a good time to release negativity and any old habits that might be hindering you, which sounds very fitting for the new beginnings that come with the arrival of September. Let’s make every effort to shed anything that’s holding us back and move forwards with light, love and positivity."
This Morning lost out on the National Television Award for Best Daytime Show which saw them break their 13-year award-winning streak. The tough year saw claims of a 'toxic' atmosphere backstage on the ITV show arise, all of which has been denied by bosses. However the NTA 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 where they lost to BBC's much-loved The Repair Shop.
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. Phillip was not expected to attend the biggest night in television at London's O2 as he was spotted earlier on in the day looking glum outside a gastropub in the capital city. However, in an unexpected turn Phillip made an appearance on the big screen at the NTAs right in front of the large celeb crowd and his former This Morning co-stars.
A tribute to the latePaul O'Gradywas aired during the award ceremony. During the clips, Phillip could be seen in the background. The disgraced presenter was spotted on the big screen as a snippet of the Lily Savage star winning an award was shown. Phillip was up against Paul, and lost to the much loved comedian.