ITV hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby have come face to face on This Morning’s sofa today after days of speculation about their disintegrating friendship.

The duo, who reportedly earn £730,000 each for their hosting duties on the programme, have been under intense pressure since September last year when they were accused of ‘queue jumping’ at the late Queen’s lying in state.

Phil took three weeks off in March as his brother was convicted of child sex offences. In his absence Holly was paired with Alison Hammond and ITV bosses were said to be overjoyed by their chemistry and are now looking for more opportunities to pair them up.

And Holly, 42, has reportedly made it clear she wants to remain hosting the ITV daytime show if Phil, 61, ever expressed an interest in leaving.

Today, millions will be watching This Morning as the TV couple appear on screen following crisis talks between ITV and the embattled pair over whether one of them, both or neither would be on air today.