Phillip Schofield has denied being a diva at This Morning.
Show insiders have claimed his behaviour is so toxic he has sparked “a civil war”.
And stand-in co-presenter Ruth Langsford has made an official complaint about him.
But defiant Phillip, 57, today hits back at his accusers.
In a candid chat with the Daily Star Sunday, he said: “The atmosphere in our studio is so wonderful. There’s such a lovely team. Everyone is lovely.
“What has been said is a shame. When something like this happens it’s a shame. But I won’t let this ruin my Christmas.”
A string of shocking claims about Phillip emerged last weekend.
(Image: ITV)
But according to the TV favourite his co-stars were left stunned because the claims are so far-fetched.
He added: “Everyone at This Morning was like, ‘what the hell?’”
It was claimed Phillip’s friendship with co-host Holly Willoughby, 38, has become “strained” because he is jealous of the attention she gets.
But he insists that there is no truth in that either.
(Image: ITV)
Phillip said: “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.
“So it’s not as if we have anything to defend. Can you imagine a feud between us ever happening?”
Holly is also keen to scotch the rumours that have been branded “malicious gossip” by ITV insiders.
She said: “There is nothing to defend. We know what we’re like together.
“We don’t mind being asked about it because we knew it probably would come up. It’s actually been quite an easy one for us.
“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.”
(Image: PA)
Phillip and Holly still present This Morning, although bookies are offering odds of 6/4 that he will be axed from the show, tipping Ben Shephard or Dermot O’Leary as his possible replacements.
Tonight, Phillip and Holly will be back together again to host Dancing On Ice’s festive special on ITV at 7pm.
After 13 years working side by side they are determined to show they are closer than ever.
Phillip said: “We couldn’t fake this, especially when we get to the point where we think, ‘this is really unprofessional’ because neither of us can stop laughing.”
