Joe Lycett takes swipe at Holly Willoughby after her recent illness with shingles following Bafta win

JOE Lycett took a swipe at Holly Willoughby this evening, after her recent illness with shingles.

The This Morning star, 42, was forced to stay at home and miss out on her presenting duties recently, after announcing she was battling shingles.

In a message to viewers that was shared by the official This Morning social media accounts, the star said: “Hi... Just to let you know I may be away for the rest of the week as I have Shingles.

"I'll be back as soon as I'm better. Huge Love, Holly xxx."

But making a dig at Holly as he picked up a Bafta at tonight’s Bafta TV awards, comedian Joe, who wasn’t able to attend, said: “My pr team have advised me to say I've got shingles.”

His speech was read out by someone else after he was awarded the Bafta for Features, for Joe Lycett Vs Beckham: Got Your Back.

Joe’s swipe wasn’t the only one made about the pair at the TV Awards.

Hosts Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan didn’t hold back on taking a swipe at the feuding pair - despite the on-going drama. 

Bringing up a past scandal the This Morning presenters were embroiled in, Rob said he was looking forward to the next series of The Crown. 

“Holly and Phil probably got early access to the episodes,” the comic added. 

The gag got a mumble of awkward laughter from the crowd. 

It came months after Holly and Phil faced calls to quit when they skipped the queue to see the Queen lying in state.

The Sun reported this week how Holly has "cut ties" with her This Morning co-star of 14 years - and could be "too upset" to star on Monday's This Morning.

It's understood Holly is "devastated" over the move but was left blindsided when Phil, 61, released a statement on their feud without consulting her.

The friendship breakdown - which has seen Holly looking glum off-screen - comes after The Sun first reported how the TV stars' relationship was under strain.

A spokesperson for This Morning previously refused to confirm whether Phillip would be on the programme on Monday.

Peace talks that were to be held between Holly and Phil have been cancelled.

Holly has made it clear to the broadcaster that she would host This Morning without Phil if he left, insisting they were “separate entities”.