This Morning fans spot ‘hidden message’ to Phillip Schofield in her emotional TV statement

THIS Morning fans are convinced they've worked out Holly Willoughby's "hidden message" to Phillip Schofield in her emotional TV statement.

The tearful host, 42, only said his name once during the 90-second monologue - despite being best friends for 17 years.

Holly said "it feels very strange indeed sitting here without Phil", but failed to mention him again.

Instead she spoke of feeling "shaken, troubled and let down" as she spoke of moving onto a "new chapter".

Viewers believe this was a clear sign their friendship is over for good as Holly continued on with the show's light entertainment topics.

One viewer said: "You couldn’t even mention his name, what c***. He was your close friend, we all make mistakes, very poor from you Holly!!"

Another added: "Insincere load of tosh. Couldn't even say his name. Then a quick 'well that's that, let's move on now'."

Someone else said: "Couldn't even say Phillip's name. If you've been close friends with someone for so long, no matter how let down by them you feel, you don't just brush them off like she did. Terrible statement from Holly."

Another agreed, adding: "She needs to go. I’ve got more respect for Alison and Dermot tackling it head on and genuine tears from Alison."

We revealed last week that Phillip apologised to Holly for lying to her about his secret relationship — and for tainting her public image.

The pair worked together for 14 years, since 2009, and were inseparable, now they no longer speak.

Phil told The Sun they have broken all ­contact — and revealed it was his paedophile brother’s imprisonment that made her distance herself from the friendship.

He has admitted having suicidal thoughts since he was forced out of ITV over the affair scandal that rocked his career.