Springwatch fans open-mouthed as Michaela Strachan ‘takes swipe’ at Holly Willoughby’s This Morning return

SPRINGWATCH fans were left open-mouthed after Michaela Strachan appeared to 'take a swipe' at Holly Willoughby's This Morning return.

Monday's edition of the BBC nature series came just hours after Holly, 42, returned to This Morning for the first time since Phillip Schofield quit the programme and subsequently, ITV.

Holly started the show with an emotional statement regarding Phillip's exit, which came after he admitted to having a relationship with a young male runner on This Morning.

She said: "Right, deep breath. Firstly, are you OK? I hope so. It feels very strange indeed not being here with Phillip.

"I imagine you might have been feeling a lot like I have. Shaken, troubled, let down, worried for the well-being of people from all sides of what's been going on and full of questions."

On Springwatch later that day, Michaela made a similar statement following a sad clip of a fox stealing a blackbird chic from a nest.

As she stood alongside co-host Chris Packham, she said: "Everyone was on the edge of their seats watching that, how is everyone feeling?

"There is a lot to process isn't there? Emotions are all over the place."

Springwatch viewers were quick to discuss what they felt were similarities between the two comments.

One wrote on Twitter: "Was @michaelastracha having a dig at Holly Willoughby with that "is everyone okay?" comment. I like to think she was #SpringWatch."

Another added: "Did Michaela just do a Holly Willoughby with ‘How’s everyone feeling? It’s a lot to process’?"

A third tweeted: "Maybe a cheeky dig at Holly W? 'How are you feeling after that, it was a lot to process..'"

While it was fans speculating about Michaela's words, Amanda Holden made no bones about taking a swipe at Holly as she shared a funny video - while also wearing white like Holly - on her Instagram.

Springwatch continues tonight at 8pm on BBC Two.