Phillip Schofield insists Holly Willoughby 'like a sister' as he hits back at rumours of a rift

Philip Schofield has hit back at rumours of a rift with This Morning co-star Holly Willoughby, insisting she is "like a sister" to him.

The 57-year-old presenter has been hit by rumours that his colleagues have made complaints about his attitude and reports his relationship with 38-year-old Willoughby had become “strained”.

But, Schofield has said his co-star is “the sister I never had”.

Asked about the speculation of tensions with his colleagues, the presenter told the Mail on Sunday: “Can you imagine a feud between us ever happening? It's not as if we have to defend anything.

“It's a shame… we are so open on the show, we are so open online and we go on holiday together.

“Holly is the sister I never had, we think at the same speed. It's so organic… it's a shame.

“Everyone who knows us, I mean, everyone at This Morning was like, 'What the hell?' The atmosphere in our studio is so wonderful, there's such a lovely team. Everyone is lovely.”

Schofield and Willoughby have been forced to deny claims the pair had clashed.

Last week, the duo, who have presented the show for 10 years, insisted they are “best mates” and are “very lucky.”

Their denial comes after The Sun claimed Schofield was left feeling “jealous” after Willoughby won a Bafta for her presenting stint on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2018.

A source was quoted as telling the newspaper: “Phillip was furious. He didn’t want Holly mentioning her triumph when they reunited on This Morning.

"It felt very petty and bitter for someone who is his close friend. But it felt like he was jealous."

The Mail on Sunday reported Ruth Langsford, who presents This Morning with her husband Eamonn Holmes every Friday, is understood to have made a complaint about Mr Schofield, thought to have been prompted when he cut her off during a crossover link to Loose Women.