Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield EXCLUSIVE: Body language expert claims the ‘bubbly’ blonde adopted a ‘more dominant role’ during ‘awkward’ This Morning appearance
- Phillip, 57, has been accused of creating a ‘toxic atmosphere’ on the set of This Morning
- There are allegations of ongoing spats with Holly and This Morning stand-in hosts Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes
- On Monday’s This Morning, fans claimed it seemed like the close duo had fallen out over something due to the tense atmosphere on screen
- Body language expert Judi James told MailOnline that while it’s unlikely the pair would display ‘any of their any negative feelings on-screen’, the ‘bubbly’ blonde adopted a ‘more serious and adult demeanor’ on the show
- An ITV spokesman said: ‘Phillip is a much respected broadcaster. This appears to be a desperate attempt to tarnish his reputation by maliciously motivated gossip’
A body language expert has claimed Holly Willoughby took a more ‘dominant’ approach to presenting during Monday’s edition of This Morning, amid rumours she’s feuding with co-host Phillip Schofield.
Earlier in the month, Phillip, 57, was accused of creating a ‘toxic atmosphere’ for his This Morning co-stars, with allegations of ongoing disagreements with Holly, 38, and stand-in hosts Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes.
Looking back at the duo’s first daytime appearance since the claims emerged, Judi James told MailOnline that while it’s unlikely the pair would display ‘any of their any negative feelings on-screen’, the ‘bubbly’ blonde adopted a ‘more serious and adult demeanor’ on the show.
Claims: A body language expert has claimed Holly Willoughby took a ‘dominant’ approach during Monday’s edition of This Morning, amid rumours she’s feuding with Phillip Schofield
The veteran presenters are known for injecting back-to-back banter into the programme, but Judi claimed Holly took on a ‘less compliant’ attitude during the series’ most recent episode – which was partly filmed outside.
The leading TV expert suggested: ‘If there is any change in their dynamic this morning it appears that Holly might be taking a less compliant and more dominant role, initiating a lot of the speaking and even raising one hand in the outdoor VT to signal that she intended to make the next comments.
‘I hate the word “bubbly” but that has been word commonly used to describe her presenting style, but today she appeared adopt rather more serious and ‘adult’ demeanor on screen.
Pensive: Looking back at the duo’s first daytime appearance since the claims emerged, Judi James told MailOnline the ‘bubbly’ blonde adopted a ‘more serious and adult demeanor’
Feud? There are allegations of ongoing spats between Phil, Holly and This Morning stand-in hosts Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes (pictured together last week)
‘Outside the building she had her coat thrown over her shoulders like a cape but her rather self-diminished poses were probably just down to the fact that it was a very chilly morning.
‘If there was any tension from Holly it might have come from the way she was picking at the sleeve of her jumper in one scene then fidgeting with her cue card in another and picking at her little finger in a third.
‘Even so, small self-comfort gestures like this would be normal from anyone working under the pressure of a daily live show like this. One thing both Holly and Phil excel at is making a very difficult job look very easy.’
Judi made sure to point out the change in their dynamic could be down to the topic of discussion.
Having her say: The hosts are known for injecting back-to-back banter into the show, but Judi (pictured in 2018) claimed Holly took on a ‘less compliant’ attitude during the recent episode
Body language expert on Holly and Phil’s This Morning appearance amid feud claims
MailOnline’s Judi James says:
‘Both Holly and Phil are veteran TV presenters and its hugely unlikely they would ever allow any negative inner feelings or relationships show on screen. If they did, I would expect over-congruent displays like stretched, rigid smiles and intensified laughing/touching displays to try to prove and rumours about fall-outs wrong.
‘If there is any change in their dynamic this morning it appears that Holly might be taking a less compliant and more dominant role, initiating a lot of the speaking and even raising one hand in the outdoor VT to signal that she intended to make the next comments.
‘I hate the word ‘bubbly’ but that has been word commonly used to describe her presenting style, but today she appeared adopt rather more serious and ‘adult’ demeanor on screen. Outside the building she had her coat thrown over her shoulders like a cape but her rather self-diminished poses were probably just down to the fact that it was a very chilly morning.
‘Back in the studio she sat confidently, looking straight at camera and there did seem to be a bit less of the tie-signs you normally get from the couple when they’re being ‘fun’ together, however they always do vary their body language behaviour together according to the subject of their interviews.
‘If there was any tension from Holly it might have come from the way she was picking at the sleeve of her jumper in one scene then fidgeting with her cue card in another and picking at her little finger in a third.
‘Even so, small self-comfort gestures like this would be normal from anyone working under the pressure of a daily live show like this. One thing both Holly and Phil excel at is making a very difficult job look very easy.’
The writer elaborated: ‘Back in the studio she sat confidently, looking straight at camera and there did seem to be a bit less of the tie-signs you normally get from the couple when they’re being “fun” together, however they always do vary their body language behaviour together according to the subject of their interviews.’
Judi believed the Dancing On Ice hosts would have put on a more lively display during their TV appearance if the feud rumours were true, in a bid to overcompensate the negative claims.
She added: ‘Both Holly and Phil are veteran tv presenters and its hugely unlikely they would ever allow any negative inner feelings or relationships show on screen.
‘If they did, I would expect over-congruent displays like stretched, rigid smiles and intensified laughing/touching displays to try to prove and rumours about fall-outs wrong.’
All in the details: Back in the studio she looked at camera and there did seem to be a bit less of the tie-signs you normally get when they’re being “fun” together’, Judi suggested
In good spirits: The pair often laugh uncontrollably during their lively shows (pictured in June)
Despite Judi’s analysis, fans said it seemed like the close pair had fallen out over something due to the tense atmosphere.
Many took to Twitter to express their views, with one writing: ‘#ThisMorning you can cut the atmosphere with a knife on This Morning. Phil and Holly no longer working!! #timeforachange.’
While another also commented on the awkwardness, saying: ‘Holly over talking and Phil over listening #elephantintheroom #ThisMorning.’
A third said: ‘Is it me or do Holly and Phil look like they’ve had a falling out looks awkward #ThisMorning.’
Reaction: Many took to Twitter to express their views on their first TV appearance since the claims emerged
Also referencing the ‘elephant in the room’, another person said: ‘So is @schofe and @hollywills going to make a comment on the elephant in the room?
‘It’s the only reason we are still watching right??? #ThisMorning.’
One commenter said: ‘Just put This Morning on, you can tell Holly cant’ be bothered with Phil. Friendships/people you work with are like relationships, after years of being together they come to a natural end.’
While another thought it felt forced, writing: ‘Omg they’re both trying a bit too hard #ThisMorning.’
‘Nice way to cover up’: A series of social media users were in agreement over the pair’s display
Agreeing with this, another said: ‘Nice way to cover up the big #phillipschofield feud then #ThisMorning.’
It is claimed eight different ITV presenters have broken their silence regarding Phillip’s attitude. The show’s Friday presenter Ruth, 59, is said to have made an official complaint.
A report stated the situation behind the scenes at This Morning had become ‘toxic’ in recent months, with employees too scared to speak out publicly for fear of backlash.
An ITV source told The Sun: ‘For so long people have been silenced because they are scared for their job. If they speak out publicly about the atmosphere they fear there could be repercussions.’
An insider close to Holly added to the paper: ‘It’s true there have been some issues. They’re like brothers and sisters – they have ups and downs but love each other.’
Hitting back at the reports, a spokesperson for ITV said: ‘It’s deeply disappointing and unfair for Phillip to be the target of this sort of malicious gossip.’
‘Phillip is a much respected broadcaster and colleague and this is absolutely not a description of This Morning that we recognise.
Missing: Holly shared a snap form the This Morning Christmas party on Instagram in which regular Friday hosts Ruth and Eamonn were nowhere to be seen
‘Holly and Phil are great friends both on and off screen and are popular among viewers and colleagues alike.’
Martin Frizell, Editor of This Morning explained: ‘I spend hundreds of days a year in their company and what you see is what you get, a genuine friendship from a couple who are both spontaneously funny and professional.
‘We have the smartest viewers watching telly and believe me they would be the first to notice any issues – they haven’t because there are none.’
Back together: Holly and Phillip quashed feud speculation as they reunited for the launch of Dancing On Ice later in the day
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