Holly Willoughby dons leggy denim shorts as she heads out for a walk with her dog Bailey – after being unfollowed by Phillip Schofield and his daughters on Instagram

Holly Willoughby brushed off the recent furore around her return to the National Television Awards as she headed out for a walk with her dog Bailey on Friday.

The presenter, 42, put on a leggy display in blue denim cut-off shorts as she took her pet for a stroll.

Holly cut a casual figure by teaming her shorts with a white T-shirt she’s designed to raise money for Young Lives vs Cancer, and brown sandals.

It comes after The Daily Mail revealed that in solidarity with their father, Phillip Schofield’s daughters Molly and Ruby have unfollowed Holly on Instagram.

Holly began her PR charm offensive this week in the wake of Phillip’s This Morning affair scandal as she made a solo appearance on the red carpet at the National Television Awards.

Stepping: Holly Willoughby headed out for a walk with her dog Bailey on Friday, after it was revealed Phillip Schofield’s daughters have unfollowed her on Instagram

Emerged: The presenter put on a leggy display in blue denim cut-off shorts as she took her pet for a stroll

Out and about: Holly cut a casual figure by teaming her shorts with a white T-shirt she’s designed to raise money for Young Lives vs Cancer, and brown sandals

This Morning, who were booed by the audience when their nomination was announced, missed out on the prize for Best Daytime, which was awarded to The Repair Shop. 

Molly and Ruby joined their father in a show of unity against the embattled This Morning presenter this week after he very publicly showed how their once strong friendship has come to an end.

But Holly might now be surprised to learn that the two women have also turned on her in support of Phillip, who recruited her to the ITV daytime show 14 years ago.

During happier times, both Molly and Ruby would join Holly on a girls’ nights out during their long summer holidays at their neighbouring villas on Portugal’s Algarve. 

They had also known Holly since for many years, with both women being teenagers when she and their dad began working together.

One source close to the situation said: ‘Both Molly and Ruby have seen their father go through hell, they have been at his side as he has lost everything. 

‘Meanwhile, by following Holly on Instagram they see her carrying on with her life.

‘The whole scandal has taken its toll on them, their support for him as been unwavering and this is the final nail. They are staunchly loyal to their dad, despite everything that has gone on.’

Claims: It comes after The Daily Mail revealed that in solidarity with their father, Phillip Schofield ‘s daughters Molly and Ruby have unfollowed him on Instagram

Distant: Phillip’s daughter Ruby no longer follows Holly, despite knowing the presenter for many years

Where is Holly? Likewise Molly has also unfollowed the presenter on social media, and a source said: ‘They are staunchly loyal to their dad, despite everything that has gone on’

Stepping out: Holly began her PR charm offensive this week in the wake of Phillip’s This Morning affair scandal

Statement: Molly and Ruby joined their father in a show of unity against the embattled This Morning presenter after he very publicly showed how their friendship has come to an end

Sighting: Holly made her first public appearance at the National Television Awards for 13 years without Phil last Tuesday

Going it alone: She went on a charm offensive with the media just hours after This Morning was criticised by viewers for its post-summer comeback

Exit: Phillip stepped down from ITV in May after revealing he had an affair with a younger colleague, as well as parting company with his management YMU

Molly, 30, also knew Holly in a professional capacity for many years as she works as a talent agent at YMU where she was signed to until 2020 when she left following a legal battle with them over future earnings.

Phillip also parted company with the London-based company the day before he revealed that he had had an affair with a much younger This Morning runner behind his wife Stephanie Lowe’s back – and then lied about it to The Mail on Sunday.

Phillip still follows Holly’s sister Kelly, while Holly, for now, still follows Phillip.

Yet the mum-of-three posted a telling comment about ‘releasing negativity’ and ‘new beginnings’ shortly after his social media snub was revealed.

Holly made her first public appearance at the National Television Awards for 13 years without Phil last Tuesday.

She went on a charm offensive with the media just hours after This Morning was criticised by viewers for its post-summer comeback. 

Last Monday’s show went down 200,000 in its audience figures from the previous Friday when Alison Hammond hosted with Dermot O’Leary.

Meanwhile, Phillip was seen leaving the Roebuck pub in Richmond last Monday – the same day Holly returned to This Morning following her eight week summer break.

Last month he was also spotted enjoying drinks with Vanessa Feltz at a cocktail bar in Chiswick, West London.

When asked to address the toxic culture claims that have engulfed the show, Holly said on the NTAs red carpet: ‘We are very blessed, we have a great team of people, we really do.

‘I know there’s been a lot of talk about things and for me personally, I don’t want to speak on behalf of other people, it’s a world I don’t recognise.

‘For me, I look around and see the team getting ready and giving it all. I just want to come to work and have more of that.’

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