Holly Willoughby, 37, and Philip Schofield, 56, are loved by ITV fans for their on-screen chemistry and banter. The presenters join forces on two hit ITV shows, and are close pals off-camera, often going on family holidays together. Their close friendship and effortless banter allows them to bounce off each other and makes for entertaining viewing. Body language expert Judi James told how this was exactly the case during the 2019 final, with Holly covering up fear when they told of the return of the 2019 contestants.
The pair had clashed with TOWIE star Gemma Collins earlier in the series, with Holly, 37, making comments about her “conduct” during the live shows.
The trio later patched things up but Judi told how tension remained.
She told Express.co.uk: “The risks taken on the ice tonight we’re nothing compared to the risk Phil took when he referred to the half a million sequins used on the show adding ‘And that’s just Gemma’ while he was standing in front of her.
“Holly had already clutched his arm and pulled a joke fear face when told by him the Class of 2019 were lacing up their skates, hinting at some worry over the return of everyone’s favourite diva and Phil didn’t look as though he dared turn round to see Gemma’s response to his gag.
“It was Holly who then chatted to Gemma while Phil stood in a self-diminished pose, grinning like a naughty kid with his hands in the self-protective fig-leaf pose.”
The Towie star, who was evicted before the final, didn’t have the smoothest ride in the ITV series, previously clashing with judge Jason Gardiner as well as Holly.
The bold blonde was also accused of “faking” a painful looking fall during a tricky routine, yet strongly denied the claims.
The aftermath saw her temporarily confined to a wheelchair as she recovered.
Just a day before she was due to take to the ice in Fairytale Week Matt Evers’ partner defended her alleged “diva” status in a video.
In one upload the 38-year-old reality star insisted “a diva speaks her mind” and “has opinions”.
Meanwhile, ahead of tonight’s Dancing on Ice final, mum of three Holly gave a glimpse of her stunning final night garment.
Holly wore a stunning bandeau strapless pale pink gown by Italian designer Peter Langner.
The top section of the sheer fabric folded into a twist which ended at the waist, and served to highlight her trim tummy.
The hemline skimmed the floor, with the folds of pretty material proving to be hugely flattering, before a striking black patch design took all the attention on the right hand side.
Holly wore her blonde hair in trademark effortless waves and her make-up minimal.