This Morning’s Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield fear huge backlash amid controversy on the show

THIS Morning's Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield were reunited onscreen today for the first time in weeks.

However, they admitted they may have steamed into controversy after interviewing a very polarising guest.

The pair looked very panicked after saying goodbye to author Sherrie Schneider, as Phillip let out several loud sighs.

Holly said: "I can just feel the iPad burning. I can feel the comments coming in already."

They were interviewing the co-writer of dating handbook The Rules, a book that advocates pleasing your husband for a happy life.

She opened her appearance on This Morning by telling the pair: "We noticed women who chased men or were too available got dumped and the ones who were hard to get got husbands.

"Dating is completely biological - men love a challenge, they need to pursue. You need to be hard to get."

Holly later commented: "The rumour is Meghan Markle used The Rules with Prince Harry".

Sherrie replied: "Well, she actually talked about the fact that she read the book in high school, and college, and she said she didn't really believe she had to do all of it but we think she did some of it.

"I mean she said she didn't know who he was, which are our rules for dating a celebrity. If you wanna get a celebrity, pretend you don't know who he is.

"That will spark his interest because he's so used to girls throwing themselves at him."

Later asked by Phillip if she advised against splitting the bill in dates, the answer was very clear. She insisted: "Yeah he pays. If he wants you to pay he doesn't like you.

"If they're thinking about the bill or thinking about respect they're not thinking about you in a romantic way.

"This is why we had to write the handbook - women are being fed lies, bad advice, telling them to call men, pursue them, pay, travel.

"It's all bogus, it doesn't work. It's like telling a woman eat all you want and lose weight. We don't buy it.

"Dating has to be disciplined. He pursues you, he pays, he picks the place, he does all the work."

Holly read a section of the book that suggested abandoning the maxim "happy wife, happy life" for "happy husband, happy wife".

The TV star reasoned: "I feel like that's slightly going back in time somewhat. Shouldn't it be mutual and respectful? Both people should be happy for a happy life, not just one."

Sherrie replied: "Yes, both people should be happy but we're writing this book for women.

"So many women, they get married and suddenly they want another house or they want a bigger car or they just become insatiable with other things.

"Or they don't like his mother and don't want anything to do with her. Whatever it is, they're just out of control.

"We're saying if you want to be in a happy marriage, think about your husband's needs.

"Too many women are all about themselves. They're thinking about Botox, or tummy tucks or the Housewives and designer handbags.

"It's like, it's not about that. It's about making your husband happy and in turn he will be kind to you. It's like: put your hand out and you will get back."

She also cautioned against telling a man too much on early dates or on apps, saying: "There is no mystery and the guy is bored and moves on to another woman."

One viewer tweeted: "I agree with Holly’s questions, this women has completely outdated views. There are no rules and everyone is different. It’s about what works for you and nothing else."

However, one replied: "It does work though."