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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield make 'early' return to ITV This Morning for special reason

Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield haven't been seen on-screen since they hosted their last This Morning before their lengthy summer break. The pair said their temporary goodbyes to viewers of the ITV daytime show back in July with plenty of people stepping into their shoes since.

The hosting duo have been replaced by the likes of Rochelle Humes, Josie Gibson, Craig Doyle and Vernon Kay since then and weren't expected to be back in the ITV studio until early September. However, that changed during Thursday's show (August 18) which was being hosted by Rochelle and Andi Peters.

Holly, 41, and Phillip, 60, made an unexpected early 'return' during the programme but it was only a fleeting moment as they wanted to send a special message to This Morning's producer.

READ MORE: ITV This Morning's Rochelle Humes in tears over show's gesture to terminally ill guest who was arrested for 'mooning'

Martin Harper was celebrating 25 years of working behind the scenes of the show and so those behind-the-scenes wanted to do something special for him and invited Martin to sit on the sofa with Rochelle, 33, and Andi, 52. The presenting pair chatted with Martin before giving him a special gift that was made with the help of the This Morning 'family'.

Both Phillip and Holly took some time out of their break to join in and celebrate Martin’s time on the show by sending in a video message. They appeared in a special video montage that also included Josie, Good Morning Britain host Richard Madeley and more. "Well, Martin Harper," Phillip began.

"Happy 25th anniversary. You are such a vital and important part of our team. You are one in a million and I love the films we made together. Have a great day, and thank you from all of us." Josie then appeared and said: "You are my favourite producer out of everyone there. No one does it like you. Your comedy writing skills are out of this world."

Holly then appeared, showing off her new summer look, and shared: "How lucky are we to have had you for 25 years. All the incredible VTs that you make. You can spot a Martin Harper VT a million miles away. Thank you for everything, you are quite simply… brilliant." Meanwhile, Richard, 66, said: "Enjoy the celebration today, and know how incredibly popular you are."

Holly made a brief This Morning return (ITV)

Earlier this week Phillip stepped out in public for the first time since started his holiday. He made a red carpet appearance alongside his daughter, Molly, as they attended the House Of The Dragon Sky Group Premiere in Leicester Square, London. The father-daughter duo looked gorgeous with talent manager Molly, 28, donning a striking purple dress with a frilled hem and three-quarter-length sleeves.

She paired the look with a pair of black heels and matching clutch while her dad opted for a smart-casual outfit, wearing a pair of belted jeans with a plum-coloured shirt and navy blazer. But after posing for the awaiting cameras, Phillip took to Instagram to point out a problem - despite spending '200 years in showbiz'. He penned alongside a snap of the pair: "Ep 1 of the @housofdragonhbo is epic!!"

He then added: "BUT... after nearly 200 years in showbiz, you'd think I'd know what to do with my fecking thumb!!!!" referring to his thumb sticking out from under his blazer while the rest of his hand remained in his pocket.

Meanwhile, Holly has been using her lifestyle platform Wylde Moon to share some of her own holiday snaps. Last month fans of the blonde beauty were surprised when she showed off a different look. Holly was snapped in a field as the sun shone down on her while donning a purple and yellow patterned tea dress with long sleeves and tie neck detailing. The change, however, was with Holly's hair as he usual short blonde locks had suddenly grown by a couple of inches.

She has since continued her summer Instagram spree, sharing sizzling new picture as she continues to take time away from hosting duties. Earlier this month the presenter bared her natural face and showed off her new longer hair in a gorgeous shot has been shared to Wylde Moon’s Instagram account, which is Holly’s wellness brand.

And earlier this week Holly was active again on Wylde Moon's Instagram and has been dubbed 'angel' as she stunned in a beautiful white summer dress. The stunning embroidered midi number would set fans back a whopping £503, but did suit Holly down to the ground as it showed off her holiday tan.

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