Alison Hammond concerned This Morning viewers as she appeared alongside Dermot O'Leary. The presenters made an unusual appearance at the helm of the ITV daytime show on Monday (May 22) having last appeared in their usual Friday slot last week.
The pair have stepped in after it was announced over the weekend that Phillip Schofield was 'stepping back' from This Morning. ITV announced on Saturday (May 20) that Phillip had sensationally quit This Morning after 20 years.
The 61-year-old said in a statement that the programme had 'become the story' and that he wanted to "do what I can to protect the show that I love" after rumours were rife that he and Holly Willoughby were 'barely speaking' behind the scenes amid a 'rift' between the pair.
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It was confirmed that Holly, 42, who has hosted alongside Schofield since 2009, will remain on the show and co-host alongside other members of the 'This Morning family' but she is taking early half-term holiday leave meaning she won't be back on-screen until Monday, June 5.
Opening Monday's show, Alison and Dermot hailed Phillip as "one of the best live television broadcasters this country has ever had", as they presented the first episode of This Morning since Phillip's exit was announced.
Alison, 48, started by saying: "We can’t start today’s show without paying tribute to the man who spent the last two decades sitting on the This Morning sofa. Phillip Schofield."
Dermot, 49, continued: "So as a show, everyone on and off screen at ITV and This Morning on 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 added: "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."
But This Morning viewers claimed it was a 'blink and you'll miss it tribute' with some suggesting they reacted as if something more serious had happened to their former colleague. Others, however, were concerned for Alison.
@ChantalMascoe tweeted: "#ThisMorning Alison sounds like she's going to cry." @_ashleyxoxox echoed: "Alison looks like she’s gonna cry #thismorning." @I_knew_Bob posted: "Bloody hell, Alison looks really nervous. Hands shaking and fiddling with a pen. #thismorning."
@ElaineUzoamaka wrote: "Alison looked unusually nervous then #ThisMorning." @NicoleWills95 shared: "Alison looked so uncomfortable doing that ‘tribute’ to Phillip #thismorning." @lovells_looks added: "Whatttt is going on with Phillip Schofield seriously I’ve never seen Alison Hammond look more uncomfortable when they talked about him what has happened #thismorning."
Last Thursday (May 18) marked Phillip's last day on the show as the broadcaster said he will not be returning for a final episode. His departure comes after he has faced months of controversy including reports of a rift with his long-time co-host Holly, his brother’s sex abuse trial and furore over his visit to the late Queen’s lying in state.
Phillip, who also shared the news in a post to his Instagram story, said in a statement: "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."
He ended by saying: "And I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month." A statement was also shared on Holly's behalf, which she also shared to Instagram. She said: "It’s been over 13 great years presenting This Morning with Phil and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all of his knowledge, his experience and his humour. The sofa won’t feel the same without him."
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