Phillip Schofield shocked viewers with a surprise appearance at the National Television Awards on Tuesday night following his ITV exit.
The former This Morning presenter, 61, was sacked by the broadcaster and his agents after admitting an affair with a young male colleague who worked on the show.
Holly Willoughby, who previously co-hosted the show with Phillip, attended the event alone for the first time in 12 years.
However, Phillip made an appearance during the ceremony as a photo of the TV presenter was shown during a tribute to the late Paul O’Grady.
During a video montage of clips of Paul, who died earlier this year aged 67, an image of Phillip at an earlier awards ceremony appeared on screen.
Shocker! Phillip Schofield shocked viewers with a surprise appearance at the National Television Awards on Tuesday night following his ITV affair (pictured in 2021).
Brief appearance: Phillip did, however, appear during the ceremony as a photo of the TV presenter was shown during a tribute to the late Paul O’Grady
Go it alone! Holly Willoughby, who previously co-hosted the show with Phillip, attended the event alone for the first time in 12 years (pictured at the joint awards ceremony last year).
During her red carpet appearance, Holly spent much time fending off questions about her own future, Phillip and allegations of a toxic atmosphere on ITV’s This Morning.
After a lackluster return to screen alongside Alison Hammond after an eight-week break in her annual summer break and the loss of 200,000 viewers, she knew there was no way she could get away with a no-show at the NTAs.
But Holly didn’t seem too worried about the ratings decline, telling Web that she “just wants the future to continue as it is.”
However, as she admitted, whether that future comes to pass is not up to her or any of her co-hosts, but rather to viewers, many of whom have become disillusioned with the show and its attempts to distract from claims of a toxic culture.
Although she admits that fan support has been “up and down,” she still seems to have a loyal base of supporters that gives her a sense of optimism for the future.
“If I’m honest, it’s really been ups and downs. But the nice thing is that people rally around you. The support is there. People want us to do well. Everything feels good again.’
“I just want the future to continue as it is.” “We’re very blessed to have a great team that we can really do.”
She tried to concentrate on enjoying the NTAs on the red carpet and dodged questions surrounding her former co-host and his “ill-advised but not illegal” affair with a younger male colleague.
Oh! Holly spent plenty of time on the red carpet fending off questions about her own future, Phillip and allegations of a toxic atmosphere on ITV’s This Morning
Falling from grace: The NTA audience appeared to boo scandal-plagued show This Morning during the star-studded ceremony
Truth be told: Holly avoided questions about her ex-co-host Phillip, but admitted the future of the show was in the hands of fans
“Everyone’s been so nice tonight and everyone’s so happy to meet you.” I mean, you’re in their living room every day, it’s not like you’re meeting someone from Coronation Street.
“I know there’s been a lot of talk about things and I personally don’t want to speak on behalf of other people, it’s a world I don’t recognize.”
“I look around and see the team preparing and giving it their all. ‘I just want to come to work and get more out of it.’
For the second year in a row following the now infamous Queuegate scandal, Holly has been excluded from the Best Presenter nomination.
It was also the first time since they began working together 14 years ago that she took part as presenter of the ITV show, which she joined in 2009, without Phillip Schofield.
Holly does it alone! There were probably many other places Holly Willoughby would have preferred to be last night other than strolling down a red carpet in front of millions of viewers
Hopes and fears: Holly spoke exclusively to the Mail and said she hopes the future “continues as it is”
Ouch: Holly flashed a smile as she left the NTAs, despite This Morning failing to win a single award
Holly supported Alison, described in TV circles as her “best”, as she competed against Ant and Dec for the title of best presenter – with the Geordie duo winning the award for the 22nd time.
She told Web: “Alison doesn’t need any advice tonight. “She’s wonderful, just like she is on TV.
“She came into the office today and said, I know you’re wearing a dress, but I brought you a belly chain, I think it’ll look really good on you.”
“We’ve known each other for a long time, she’s been on This Morning longer than I have. “It’s a really natural home for her.”
When asked if she would like Alison to remain her on-screen partner, Holly added: “Ideally, but I wonder who it will be, but it’s not up to me, people seem to think that I am “I have a lot to say about a lot of things.” Issues, but it’s really up to the public.’
Holly spent 15 minutes on the red carpet at London’s O2 – a stark contrast to her usual awards show regime.
She left separately from Alison, who arrived 20 minutes later.
Consolation prize? Holly wasn’t too down after This Morning’s defeat as she ate a greasy burger in her taxi home
At the center of attention: Holly returned to This Morning on Monday alongside her new BFF Alison Hammond, with both stars also gracing the red carpet
All smiles: Despite not being there, the This Morning team put on brave faces and posed for a fun selfie
Duo: Ant and Dec on the red carpet at the National Television Awards
Those close to Holly said she had to speak out last night in the hope she could “start again tomorrow”.
The presenter has been wrestling for some time with how Phil’s exit has affected This Morning and that it is her job to “change things” after taking the helm of This Morning – as the strong woman she swore to be Morning has taken over.
Sources close to her say she decided the best thing she could do to deal with the criticism was to be honest.
This coincides with her agreement to remain on This Morning, which lost out to The Repair Shop in the best daytime show category last night.
A source said: “Holly knows she has to answer questions on This Morning straight away and tell the story. “It’s been difficult. She knows that this is a difficult time, but she has made a pact with herself to overcome and cope with difficult situations.
“That’s why she’s here tonight and she’s actually having to deal with what’s been hard for her and the show.”
Away from the worries of morning television, it was a joyous evening for BBC1’s Happy Valley as it won the recurring drama award.
And the evening got even better for leading actress Sarah Lancashire, who beat her co-star James Norton to win best dramatic performance after the NTAs scrapped separate categories for best actor and best actress.
Ms Lancashire said: “It’s a wonderful thing, we didn’t know if we would win it.” “It’s a great award – great for Sally Wainwright.”
Graham Norton beat Piers Morgan for best TV interview, while his former Good Morning Britain co-host Susanna Reid walked the red carpet in a red dress and showed off her new short hair.
Meanwhile, Line of Duty’s veteran cop drama actress Vicky McLure also stunned at the event, held at London’s O2 Arena, in a black Versace dress.
One Show host Alex Jones also appeared in a white feathered mini dress.
Big Brother presenter Davina McCall, 55, beamed on the red carpet in an E Stott jumpsuit with her latest boyfriend, hairdresser Michael Douglas.