Yahoo News Joe Lycett makes Holly Willoughby joke at TV Baftas
The comedian took a swipe at the This Morning host recently contracting shingles.
Joe Lycett poked fun at Holly Willoughby in his TV Baftas acceptance speech, mocking her recent bout of shingles.
The This Morning presenter was noticeable by her absence at the awards ceremony amid rumours of tension between her and co-host Phillip Schofield.
Comedian Lycett, 34, was also unable to attend the TV Baftas and so appeared in a pre-recorded message to accept the award for Best Feature for his show Joe Lycett Vs Beckham: Got Your Back At Xmas.
Read more: Eamonn Holmes: Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield's double act is broken
The comic said: "I’m sorry to not be there, but according to my PR team I have shingles."
It was not the only joke of the night made at Willoughby's expense.
Comedian Rob Beckett, who was co-hosting the awards ceremony with Romesh Ranganathan, made a reference to Willoughby and Schofield's Queuegate controversy.
Gesturing to Imelda Staunton, who was nominated for Best Actress for playing Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown, Beckett said: "She’s nominated for her performance in The Crown.
"Apparently, Holly and Phil got to watch that a couple of days before everybody else. A little bit of edge for you, early doors."
Willoughby, 42, took a week off from the ITV daytime show during the Easter holidays in April, announcing on her Instagram account: "Hi… Just to let you know I may be away for the rest of the week as I have shingles… I’ll be back as soon as I’m better. Huge love, Holly."
Returning to the show she told viewers: "I had a wobbly week and a half. If anyone’s had shingles, it’s really not the nicest thing, but yes, I’m much better."
In September 2022 she and Schofield came under fired over accusations they "jumped the queue" at the late Queen's lying in state at London's Westminster Hall in September.
The Dancing On Ice hosts did not attend the TV Baftas 2023, at which neither they nor This Morning were nominated.
The pair have been the subject of rumours of behind-the-scenes tension ever since queue-gate.
Schofield issued a statement to The Sun on Thursday 11 May in response to the feud rumours.
He said: "As I have said before, Holly is my rock.
“We’re the best of friends - as always, she is an incredible support on screen, behind the scenes and on the phone.
Read more: Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield: Their on-screen history together
"Holly has always been there for me, through thick and thin. And I’ve been there for her.
“The last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us.”
Watch: The trailer for Bafta-winning show Joe Lycett Vs Beckham: Got Your Back At Xmas
