Holly Willoughby pledges to never publicly address Phillip Schofield scandal ... trends now

Holly Willoughby has vowed never to publicly address the Phillip Schofield scandal that has engulfed ITV again as insiders claim she is still 'angry' at her former co-host.

The 42-year-old distanced herself from her former best friend during a 'highly strategised' return to the This Morning sofa on Monday, after he was ousted from the programme when admitting to lying about his relationship with a much younger male colleague.

Holly told viewers she had been left 'shaken, let down and worried' and only mentioned Schofield once by name when she said it was 'very strange indeed sitting here without Phil' - for the rest of her address she instead referred to him as 'someone' and 'they'.

Millions of people have since viewed the segment on social media, although some have had a tepid response after complaining it had come across as 'melodramatic, scripted and soulless'. 

However, those looking for further screen time committed to confronting the scandal may be disappointed after sources claimed the mother-of-three has no intention of revisiting the topic publicly.

'This is the only time Holly will ever speak about Phil and what has happened,' a source told The Sun.

'She still feels incredibly angry and upset by his actions and is very much still trying to get her head around it.

'It took a lot for Holly to compose herself and speak about what has gone on in the last few weeks.

'But people expecting her to sit and pour her heart out will be waiting for a long time.

'Holly is upset that Phil, who she believed to be a very close friend, lied to her about his affair.

'She is angry and that will take a long time for her to come to terms with.'

Holly had appeared to be on the brink of tears during parts of her speech, although some people watching at home were less than impressed. 

Unconvinced viewers wrote on Twitter: 'Absolutely shocking statement. It's only derivative is to bring Phil down more, poor Holly poor me. Also shows how much she despises him & couldn't care less.'

Another added: 'Horrible message. I'm done. Switched over & won't be watching,' while a third said: 'Amazing how she is emotional one moment and the next she's all giggles... like the cat that got the cream.'

Another viewer tweeted: 'My one and only comment on this. Scripted and soulless,' and someone added: 'She did well to hold it together although the language was a bit melodramatic.'

Other social media users however praised the star, writing: 'Very appropriate. Holly is NOT responsible for Phil. No colleague is responsible for what another colleague does or does not do, no matter how closely the working relationship.'

Another added: 'Give it a rest now let the people who need to deal with it do so. Of course it's scripted she's going to know what she needs to say. Phil's the one in the wrong here. Love Josie she's a breath of fresh air! Good luck girls.'

A third wrote: 'I'm feeling sorry for Holly & for everyone who Phil lied too.'