ITV bosses called a crisis meeting following Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield’s return to This Morning today after seeing a wave of negative feedback on social media about the show.

The pair, who have been embroiled in one of the biggest falling outs on television, did not address their split during the show.

But viewers have described them as ‘uncomfortable’ and ’embarrassing’, and sources on set say staff working on the show find it ‘painful’.

After seeing the reaction on Twitter, with viewers seeing both Ms Willoughby, 42, and Schofield, 61, ITV bosses are considering what to do next.

One source told the Daily Mail: ‘Social media is being used as a barometer to see what the public is thinking. Those in charge were under no illusion that it was a total disaster.

‘It was painful for the This Morning team to work on and it was just as painful for them to watch.

Phillip Schofield was spotted leaving his West London home on his way to work today ahead of his show

‘There was a meeting afterwards to discuss how it went which went on for some time. To be honest, everyone was just so relieved to get it over with, but even if the show goes on for quite some time, it will remain a massive headache.’

One viewer posted: ‘Phillip Schofield thinks he can fool us with this fake nice “everything’s a good deed” when Holly looks visibly uncomfortable to be there.’

Another said: ‘How fake is this? Wow, couldn’t trust these two actors.’

A third wrote: ‘It’s creepy. It feels awkward knowing these two people don’t get along. False friends.’

A fan added to the theme: ‘Well it’s awkward! All a little dead behind the eyes with fake smiles.’

The feud began in September when the pair were criticized after failing to line up for the Queen’s Lying in State.

Today, former This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes took a dig at the pair on his GB News show, saying there should have been a ‘special award’ for them at the Baftas for ‘best actors’.

Holmes, who dated Schofield years ago, added: ‘The public will certainly suspect that there is no chemistry, that it is a broken match between the two of them. This morning does not depend on who is presenting it.’

Today, former This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes (pictured) took a dig at the pair during his GB News show, saying there should have been a ‘special award’ for them at the Baftas for ‘best actors’.

The TV couple also reportedly held crisis talks with ITV bosses ahead of today’s show

Phillip Schofield elaborates on the show. Body language expert Judi James said he was full of bravado

The This Morning hosts did a newspaper review with Gyles Brandreth and Camilla Tominey – but the front page stories about them were not touched

It is understood Ms Willoughby was nervous about joining Schofield on the bench just days after he released a statement about their friendship without first telling her.

She is supported by co-presenter Alison Hammond, who has become a good friend.

Martin Frizell, editor of This Morning, is also reportedly furious that the show is making headlines about its presenters’ feud rather than its content.

However, there is a silver lining for bosses at the channel as viewing figures may be higher.

There was also good news away from the studio for Ms Willoughby, whose Marks & Spencer clothing collection received a boost.

A number of her items are trending on her website every weekend, with an insider at the retailer saying sales are up.

Meanwhile, Schofield’s brother Timothy (54) must be sentenced on Friday after being found guilty of sexually abusing a teenage boy.

After his conviction at Exeter Crown Court last month, Schofield said: ‘I don’t have a brother anymore.’

The sentencing hearing falls on the TV star’s day off, so Ms Hammond and Dermot O’Leary will host the show.