James Haskell claims Holly Willoughby knew about Phillip Schofield’s affair

James Haskell has berated Holly Willoughby, claiming the presenter knew about Phillip Schofield’s affair with a ‘much younger man’.

Holly, 42, made her return to ITV on Monday after two weeks off the air and kicked off the show by addressing the departure of her former co-star in an emotional monologue.

During an appearance on the Jeremy Vine show, James, the son-in-law of former This Morning hosts Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, weighed in on the scandal, claiming that “everyone knew” about the situation – including Holly.

The former rugby player, 37, said: ‘Utter rubbish. She [Holly] asked, “Are you okay?” A guy from TV cheated on his wife, I think I will survive, I think I will live. This is 2023 in a nutshell.

“I knew this years ago, she of course [Holly] know. Everyone knows.’

Statement: Holly, 42, made her return to ITV on Monday after two weeks off the air and kicked off the show by addressing the departure of her former co-star in an emotional monologue

Myleene Klass also guest starred on the show, adding, “I think it’s a case of the conversations that happen on that couch, these are people who are trusted and welcome in our home.”

James is married to Chloe Madeley, the daughter of former This Morning presenters Richard and Judy who presented the show from its inception in 1988 to 2001.

The couple returned to the show for a one-off 25th anniversary show, appearing alongside Phil and Holly to celebrate their twenty-first anniversary.

Holly is reportedly determined to fight on to keep her spot on the bench, despite the chaos in the program.

She is paid £730,000 a year for the presenting gig, but has a growing business empire, estimated at £10 million.

Holly told This Morning viewers yesterday ‘we gave our love and support to someone who wasn’t telling the truth’ as ​​she returned to the show for the first time since Phillip’s departure.

Phillip left the show after admitting to an affair – which he labeled “unwise by not illegal.”

In an interview last week, he said Holly – who was unaware of the affair – ignored his messages and apologized and begged for forgiveness.

In her full statement, Holly said, “Hello there. Good morning. Josie [Gibson], Thanks for your presence. Right, take a deep breath. First, are you okay? It feels very strange to be here without Phil.

And I imagine you may have felt as I did—shocked, distressed, disappointed, concerned for the well-being of people on all sides of what’s going on, and full of questions.

Family Ties: James is married to Chloe Madeley, the daughter of former This Morning presenters Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan

Myleene Klass also guest starred on the show, adding, “I think it’s a case of the conversations that happen on that couch, these are people who are trusted and welcome in our home.”

“You, me and all of us at This Morning gave our love and support to someone who wasn’t telling the truth, who acted in a way that they themselves felt they should resign from ITV and quit a career they love. That’s a lot to process.

And it’s just as hard to see the toll it takes on their own mental health. I think what unites us all now is a desire to heal for the health and well-being of all.

“I hope that as we embark on this new chapter and return to a place of warmth and magic that this show holds for all of us, we can find strength in each other.

And, from my heart, I can just thank you for all your kind messages. And thank you for being here this morning. Myself, Josie [Gibson]Dermat [O’Leary]Alison [Hammond]Craig [Doyle]and every person who works on this show will continue to work hard every day to bring you this show that we love.”

Before the show aired, friends of Phillip’s said he wouldn’t tune in to see Holly’s return to the bank as it would be too “triggering” for him.

In an interview with The Sun, he apologized to Holly for lying to her about his relationship, saying, “I’ve lost my best friend.”

Hurt: Holly’s return comes as the ITV show has been plagued by allegations of ‘toxicity’, including from former This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes who claimed there was a ‘total cover-up’ over the Schofield affair

Drama: Holly is determined to fight to keep her seat on the bench, despite the continued chaos in the program caused by Phillip’s revelations

He added, “I let her down. I missed that whole show. I disappointed the viewers. Holly didn’t know and she was one of the first texts I sent, to say “I’m so, so sorry I lied to you”.

“She didn’t answer and I understand why she didn’t answer either. So yeah, if anyone links Holly to this in any way, it’s absolutely, not true at all.’

The duo have co-hosted the show since 2009 and also co-hosted Dancing On Ice.

Holly’s return comes as the ITV show has been plagued with ‘toxicity’ allegations, including from former This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes who claimed there was a ‘total cover-up’ over the Schofield affair.