Phillip Schofield’s bravado fight-back: body language expert Judi James’ verdict on This Morning

Phillip Schofield’s body language today was evidence of a “bravado fighting back” amid his public spat with his This Morning co-presenter Holly Willoughby, an expert said.

Phil and Holly hosted their hit ITV show but didn’t address claims that their relationship is on the brink and they barely speak off camera.

The show opened with a piano performance by composer Alan Menken being eagerly clapped by Phil before he was seen cheering and holding out his arms and then standing with his back to Holly instead of next to her as usual.

Expert Judi James said the presenter’s movements gave him the “body language advantage in what seemed like a bravado fighting back, because by the time he turned to Holly, her signs of self-diminishment made her look anxious and sad.”

Ms James added to MailOnline that Holly sported an ‘incongruent mouth smile that didn’t seem to reach her eyes’.

Phil and Holly hosted their hit ITV show but didn’t address claims their relationship is on the brink and they barely speak off camera

The presenting pair were back together on screens after Phil called in lawyers over the backlash to their rumored split.

There had been more than 48 hours of crisis talks between the network and the embattled pair over whether one, both, or neither of them would be on the air today.

Their performances today were described by some viewers as ‘forced’ and ‘painful’.

One of them wrote, “This elephant is so big it can fill the room.” Another added: “Are they going to address the elephant in the room?” We are all waiting….”

Ms James, a body language expert, told MailOnline: ‘Phil’s exaggerated body language this morning included applauding the pianist who had been brought in to start the show as if he had just played a concert by Rachmaninov rather than a simple tune (smart move as it broke it ice cream for the couple being scrutinized), cheering and even stretching out his arms to make a dramatic bow all with his back to Holly instead of standing next to her, as usual with her face to the camera focused.

The show opened with a piano playing being eagerly clapped by Phil before he was seen cheering and holding out his arms and then standing with his back to Holly instead of next to her as usual.

It gave Phil the body language advantage in what seemed like a bravado fight back, because by the time he turned to Holly, her signs of self-deprecation made her look anxious and sad.

Her smile was an incongruous mouth smile that didn’t seem to reach her eyes.

When Phil finally turned his head towards her and they made meaningful eye contact, Phil was full throttle on cues of perky confidence with raised eyebrows and a steady grin, while Holly’s eye expression looked sad.

Her raised handclamp had either the fingers up in a gesture of protection or the wrists bent to suggest submission rather than struggle.

The presenting couple were back together on screens after Phil called in lawyers over the backlash to their rumored split. Above: The couple leave their respective homes this morning on their way to work

“But her finger picking and fiddling and the way she rubbed her hands over her torso indicated more inner terror.”

Ms. James then commented on the couple’s exchange after Holly said that Disney composer Menken would later perform a medley of some of his best-known songs.

Holly said she would try ‘really hard’ not to sing along,” before Phil joked, “This could be your audition! Oh yeah!’.

Ms James said it sounded ‘suspiciously like an ambiguous commentary’ to his co-presenter.

Rumor has it that Holly could only anchor the show if Phil leaves.

Holly replied, “Do you think so?” It’s time?’