A defiant Phillip Schofield has vowed not to let rumours about his behaviour on This Morning “ruin his Christmas”.
The presenter has been at the centre of reports that he has become embroiled in a feud with co-presenter Holly Willoughby and he had contributed to a “toxic” atmosphere behind the scenes of the daytime show.
The Sun also claimed regular Friday presenter Ruth Langsford had made a formal complaint to ITV about his conduct.
While Phil has already broken his silence on the matter, he continued to lament the stories, which he branded a “shame” in a new interview with the Daily Star.
“What has been said is a shame. When something like this happens it’s a shame,” he told the paper. “But I won’t let this ruin my Christmas.”
He continued: “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.”
Addressing the reports of a fall out between him and Holly, Phillip went on: “We are so open on the show, we are so open online and we go on holiday together...
“So it’s not as if we have anything to defend. Can you imagine a feud between us ever happening?”
Holly echoed Phillip’s words, adding: “It would be impossible for us to fake our relationship and the laughs.
“We’re on the telly for two-and-a-half-hours and I’m not that good an actress. If I was I’d be doing something else.”
An ITV rep previously 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.
“Holly and Phil are great friends both on and off screen and are popular among viewers and colleagues alike.”
However, Amanda Holden had some thoughts on the stories last week, having been involved in her own much-publicised public feud with Phillip.
Speaking about Ruth’s alleged complaint to ITV bosses, she said on her Heart Breakfast Show: “I’m just gonna say that I really admire anyone that sticks up for themselves because it is not an easy thing to do.
“There is a tin opener and there’s a can somewhere and other people have found the tin opener. That’s all I’m saying.”
HuffPost UK contacted Ruth’s spokesperson about the supposed complaint earlier this month, but has yet to hear back.