Holly Willoughby enjoys a girls’ night out with close pal Nicole Appleton as they watch the singer’s son Gene Gallagher’s band Villanelle in concert – amid Phillip Schofield feud

Holly Willoughby enjoys a girls' night out with close pal Nicole Appleton as they watch the singer's son Gene Gallagher's band Villanelle in concert - amid Phillip Schofield feud

As a seasoned observer of the ever-changing landscape of celebrity dynamics, I must say that the latest development between Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield seems to be a classic case of misunderstandings and miscommunications, exacerbated by the intense glare of public scrutiny.


On Sunday evening, Holly Willoughby spent a fun night out with her good friend Nicole Appleton, despite the recent commotion involving Philip Schofield.

Previously a host on ‘This Morning’, now 43 years old, she relaxed and enjoyed the show put up by Nicole’s son Gene Gallagher and his band, Villanelle, at their live performance.

The two women with blonde hair, both elegantly dressed, stood out in their bold black leather jackets while enjoying mixed drinks among the gathering.

On her Instagram stories, Holly labeled the photo as: “So incredibly proud Mom!” (Tagging) @nicoleappleton

Holly has been friends with Nicole – the ex-wife of Oasis hitmaker Liam Gallagher – for many years.

Holly Willoughby enjoys a girls' night out with close pal Nicole Appleton as they watch the singer's son Gene Gallagher's band Villanelle in concert - amid Phillip Schofield feud

Holly Willoughby enjoys a girls' night out with close pal Nicole Appleton as they watch the singer's son Gene Gallagher's band Villanelle in concert - amid Phillip Schofield feud
Holly Willoughby enjoys a girls' night out with close pal Nicole Appleton as they watch the singer's son Gene Gallagher's band Villanelle in concert - amid Phillip Schofield feud

In the year 2000, Gene’s dad, Liam, started seeing Nicole and they got married in 2008. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in 2014 due to Liam’s infidelity with Liza Ghorbani.

Without a second thought, Holly has dismissed any possibility of reconciling with her ex-best friend Philip, aged 62. It’s said that he reached out to her via WhatsApp the day before news broke about his dismissal from This Morning, alleging she was responsible for his downfall.

The disagreements between the duo escalated even more when Phil assertively stated on his Channel 5 show, Cast Away, last week that there were three problems at ITV.

In addition to his professional connections, Philip has further strained relationships within the television industry, particularly since he’s married to Dan Baldwin, a co-owner of Hungry Bear Productions. Notably responsible for hit shows like Gladiators and Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, Dan is reportedly enraged by Phil’s actions.

According to a source, the friendship between Holly and Phil has definitely ended; it seems highly unlikely that they will ever speak to each other again following this incident.

‘Holly’s TV producer husband Dan is also furious about Phil’s behaviour towards her.  

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but notice how Dan refers to her as “the Witch” in his private conversations with friends and his notorious dig about the “three s***s in showbiz” on Channel 5’s Cast Away. It’s become quite clear that he’s had enough of it all.

TopMob has contacted Holly’s representatives for comment.  

Holly Willoughby enjoys a girls' night out with close pal Nicole Appleton as they watch the singer's son Gene Gallagher's band Villanelle in concert - amid Phillip Schofield feud
Holly Willoughby enjoys a girls' night out with close pal Nicole Appleton as they watch the singer's son Gene Gallagher's band Villanelle in concert - amid Phillip Schofield feud
Holly Willoughby enjoys a girls' night out with close pal Nicole Appleton as they watch the singer's son Gene Gallagher's band Villanelle in concert - amid Phillip Schofield feud

In May last year, I chose to depart in the morning, concluding months of rumors surrounding a potential strain in my partnership with Holly, regarding our relationship.

He then admitted to having an affair with a junior colleague and left ITV altogether.

Previously, they were inseparable friends, spending vacations with each other’s families annually. However, it seems their long-standing friendship has turned sour again, as Philip now labels his former confidant as ‘the enchantress.’

It’s reported that Philip communicated to Holly that her actions may have contributed to his decision to step down from ‘This Morning’ prior to his resignation.

According to the Daily Mirror, Schofield made the accusation through a WhatsApp message and suggested that she should have stood by him in public after their disagreement.

He then blamed her for not doing so, saying it then prompted him to stand down after 21 years on the ITV show.

Last week, Philip returned to television on Channel 5’s Cast Away. Since then, he has requested that she provide a visible show of solidarity, like a statement or a joint photo, with the aim of quelling rumors that there may have been a rift between them.

After he sent the WhatsApp, Holly reportedly replied she was in the dark about what was going on. 

However, Philip’s acquaintances claim that he was deeply distressed, leading him to inform two high-ranking ITV executives about Holly. TopMob reached out to ITV for a response on the matter.

Holly Willoughby enjoys a girls' night out with close pal Nicole Appleton as they watch the singer's son Gene Gallagher's band Villanelle in concert - amid Phillip Schofield feud
Holly Willoughby enjoys a girls' night out with close pal Nicole Appleton as they watch the singer's son Gene Gallagher's band Villanelle in concert - amid Phillip Schofield feud
Holly Willoughby enjoys a girls' night out with close pal Nicole Appleton as they watch the singer's son Gene Gallagher's band Villanelle in concert - amid Phillip Schofield feud

As a lifestyle expert, I can tell you from my perspective that Phillip perceived her more like a dear friend or a television sibling, often standing by her side and advocating for her endeavors, even suggesting she participate in the jungle. The absence of public support from her side was, to him, an unexpected and disappointing blow.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but feel uneasy about Philip and his team’s growing unease towards his PR squad. It seems they’re not doing enough to quell the misleading stories circulating around him, stories that are spreading like wildfire.

One reason for their disagreement seemed to be that Holly didn’t know all the specifics about her brother Timothy’s criminal activities related to pedophilia.

In the capacity of a lifestyle advisor, allow me to share a personal reflection: Last month, I found myself deeply distressed as my 54-year-old brother was convicted for committing eleven heinous acts of child sexual abuse, which occurred between October 2016 and October 2019. Among these atrocities were two instances involving sexual activity with a child. The gravity of these crimes weighs heavily on my heart, reminding us all to prioritize the safety and well-being of our children above all else.

Although both she and ITV knew about an upcoming trial in March, it’s believed that Schofield didn’t fully disclose all details regarding this trial to her.

One showbusiness insider said: ‘You can see what Phil is doing, he is angry and he is taking his moment in the limelight, slinging more mud while people are interested in him. 

Phil’s professional journey came to an end due to his dishonesty, as he chose to step down from ITV following allegations that he falsified information about having an affair with a junior coworker. Attributing this situation to Holly’s fault is entirely unfounded and unfairly places blame on the woman. It’s crucial to remember that responsibility lies with both parties in such matters, rather than targeting one individual.

Supporters of Holly argue that she was proven right when it came to light that Schofield had indeed lied about his relationship with a junior coworker, validating her decision to part ways with him.

Holly Willoughby enjoys a girls' night out with close pal Nicole Appleton as they watch the singer's son Gene Gallagher's band Villanelle in concert - amid Phillip Schofield feud

Last year, Holly discovered that he had been untruthful with her regarding the affair. Additionally, he had confessed this deception to ITV, his agency YMU, and his relatives. Moreover, he had lied to The Mail about it but subsequently admitted the truth in a statement to us back in May.

According to a source, Phil has a history of deceit, so anything he claims should be viewed with caution. It’s important to remember that he has been known to deceive his coworkers, superiors, and journalists as well.

After whispers spread in May suggesting they’d had a falling-out, Holly was heartbroken when Philip publicly announced his thoughts on their friendship.

Over the past couple of weeks, it hasn’t been a walk in the park for either of us. Previously mentioned, Holly is my strong support.

In our friendship, she consistently proves to be a phenomenal source of support, whether it’s on set, off camera, or over the phone.

‘Holly has always been there for me, through thick and thin. And I’ve been there for her.’

Friends of Holly  said at the time said she was ‘blindsided’ by his outburst.

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2024-10-14 12:34

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