Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary break silence on Phillip Schofield as pair address star’ | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV
This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield confirmed on Saturday, May 20 that he was stepping down from his role on the ITV show.
His departure comes after a rumoured feud with co-star Holly Willoughby, who will continue presenting the show on June 5, after she comes back from her two-week break.
On Monday morning, it was beloved hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary who were holding the fort for the ITV show.
Before starting the show, Dermot began: “Welcome to Monday’s This Morning,” as Alison continued: “Now we can’t start today’s show without paying tribute to the man whose spent the last two decades sitting on This Morning’s sofa, Phillip Schofield.”
Her ITV co-star added: “So, as a show, everyone on and off screen at ITV and This Morning want to say a huge thank you to Phil for what he has done to make the show such a success over the last 21 years.”
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Alison shared: “Quite simply, we all know he is one of the best live broadcasters this country has ever had.
“We and all of the team wish him all the best for the future.”
Viewers of the ITV series were left divided over the pairs tribute and took to their Twitter accounts.
Steve Evans noted: “It’s like he never existed #Thismorning,” whilst @MissyMADAME said: “Well… I actually thought they were going to ignore it but glad they said something.”
@NicoleWills95 penned: “Alison looked so uncomfortable doing that ‘tribute’ to Phillip #thismorning.”
@DebsGlynm expressed: “60 seconds of a ‘tribute” for 20 years service… what a kick in the b******s…. Awkward. #ThisMorning.”
@svail89 commented: “Well that was mega awkward.. #thismorning.”
@raggedydocs added: “DYING at how all phillip got after 21 years at this morning was a short ‘tribute’ before they moved on from the topic as quickly as possible #ThisMorning.” (sic)
Phillip released a statement on Saturday, May 20 which said: “I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.
“Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind. I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love.
“So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month.”
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV.
