Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary stepped in today to present This Morning after previous host Phillip Schofield, 61, announced on Saturday he would be exiting the show with immediate effect.
The stand-in hosts issued a joint statement on behalf of This Morning and ITV at the beginning of today’s show.
Alison said: “Now we can’t start today’s show without paying tribute to the man who spent the last two decades sitting on This Morning’s sofa – Phillip Schofield.”
Dermot added: “So as a show, everyone on and off the screen at ITV and This Morning wants to say a huge thank you to Phil for what he’s done to make the show such a success over the last 21 years.”
Alison continued: “Quite simply, we all know he’s one of the best live television broadcasters this country has ever had and we and all the team wish him all the best for the future.”
Viewers took to Twitter to share their opinions regarding the statement.
@thismorning even though I’m happy that Phil is gone the so called tribute to him was the most awkward thing I’ve seen. Not only that Holly needs to go she is just as bad as Phil
— Linda❤️ (@LindaMonaco23) May 22, 2023
@thismorning feels so awkward. I feel bad for Dermot and Alison being shoved on last minute.
— Olive (@Olivia158) May 22, 2023
Hammond and O’Leary noted that Schofield’s hosting partner Holly Willoughby, 42, will be temporarily absent from the show until Monday, June 5.
It has not been announced who will take over Schofield’s role on the show.
Look out for our upcoming vox pop on whether it’s a smart idea to work with your best friend.