Phillip Schofield says he and Holly Willoughby weren’t in trouble with ITV bosses for calling Gemma Collins unprofessional.
The ‘Dancing On Ice’ host has said that he and his co-presenter did not get told off by bosses after Holly, 37, accused the reality star of displaying a lack of "professionalism" by leaving one of the ice dancing competition’s live shows 15 minutes early, and insisted that Gemma’s antics are "fantastic telly".
Speaking to the RadioTimes, Phillip, 56, said: "No, we weren’t in trouble at all.
"What’s lovely is that it’s fantastic telly, it’s great to watch and I am so thrilled that Gemma is out there and doing it. It’s brilliant panto. What you saw on Sunday is when two pantos collide."
When asked whose side he was taking in the drama, he said: "I’m on the side of Dancing on Ice!"
Holly added: "When we arrive on a Sunday morning, what will be will be. That’s why we like live TV; it’s the unpredictability of what’s actually going to happen. The drama unfolds in front of you and you deal with what happens."
The former ‘Only Way Essex’ star, 37, previously demanded a public apology from the pair as she claimed: "I’ve been told on the rumour mill that Phil and Holly have been told off, but a public apology would go a long way."
Holly’s comments came after Kem Cetinay – who is This Morning’s backstage reporter on the ITV talent show – claimed Gemma had left the live broadcast before the end because she was a "bit bored".
Commenting on the GC’s no-show at the time, Holly said: "The thing is I really love Gemma, you know I’m a big fan of Gemma’s and I think she’s great on the show I do, but I think there has to be a bit of professionalism that comes into any work you do, just a bit of pride in your work."
Phil then scornfully added: "In all the years I’ve been in television, I have never kept a studio waiting."
Phillip Schofield on Gemma Collins professionalism comments
