Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield have done their best to downplay rumours of a secret backstage feud, following claims they’d fallen out. 

Over the weekend, the This Morning presenters were the subject of a story published by The Sun, which said they’d rowed over a recent Sunday Times Magazine cover. 

The article claimed Phil had been annoyed at how he was portrayed in the magazine, taking particular upset with the fact Holly was photoshopped to be wearing a crown on the cover, which also carried the line: “Queen Holly: How Holly Willoughby eclipsed Phillip Schofield and became Britain’s hottest TV star.”

The Sun quoted a source as saying tension between them almost spilled out as they appeared at a This Morning Live event in Birmingham last month. 

However, Holly later appeared to pour cold water on the reports as she paid tribute to her “best friend” on Instagram. 

As she shared three pictures to the men in her life in celebration of Father’s Day, she wrote: “Talking of important men in my life on Father’s Day. Here’s another one. 

“My partner on the telly and one of my best friends in the world… love you @schofe.”

Phillip then replied to Holly, commenting: “Awwww thank you bestie. Love you too. Happy Father’s Day to Dan xxxxxx.”

There was no hint of animosity as the pair returned to screens on Monday to present This Morning, sharing a laugh together within minutes of the show going on air. 

An ITV spokesperson declined to comment further on the reports of a feud between them. 

It is the second time in recent weeks that Phillip’s name has been attached to a report of a showbiz bust-up, as it has been claimed he is embroiled in a feud with Amanda Holden. 

The Britain’s Got Talent judge recently did little to dispel the rumours when she named him as one of the three things she’d least like to find in her home. 

According to The Sun, the pair’s beef began last year, after Amanda was initially approached to fill on This Morning when Holly was in Australia presenting I’m A Celebrity.

The newspaper has quoted a source who claims Amanda was then taken out for dinner by ITV executives, where she was told she wouldn’t be getting the gig after all, and suggested that Phillip influenced the decision.

Instead, the role went to occasional This Morning host Rochelle Humes.

This Morning airs weekdays at 10.30am on ITV.