Phillip Schofield has been accused of making a "condescending dig" at Stephen Mulhern as he returned to present Dancing On Ice with Holly Willoughby on Sunday.
The TV presenter, 56, was absent from last week's show after catching Covid and being forced to isolate - which meant his slot had to be taken over by someone else.
In place, popular host Stephen fronted the ITV family show with Holly.
And upon his return tonight, Phillip made a remark which didn't go down well with viewers.
"Welcome back Phil!" Holly exclaimed as she turned to her presenting partner.
He said: "I had serious FOMO [fear of missing out]," adding that it was "made better" by several gin and tonics as he watched the show from home.
Phillip added: "Well done to Stephen Mulhern, aswell. Fantastic - you're welcome."
After making the savage comment, fans took to Twitter to share their outrage at him.
One person penned: "What's with the you're welcome to stephen mulhern phil .. ngl he was so much more entertaining that you.. shame he can't do it permanently #DancingOnIce."
"Schofield is so condescending. Rather have Stephen anytime. #DancingOnIce," a second wrote.
A third added: "#dancingonice actually Phil Stephen was much better than you. Is your back a little exposed."
And a fourth begged: "#dancingonice thought i voted Phil off last week bring back Stephen PLEASE."
Fans were left calling for the Catchphrase host to be brought back in a permanent role after the pair's stellar onscreen partnership last weekend.
After the show last week, Holly took to Instagram to congratulate Stephen, writing: "Standing ovation for Stephen Mulhern after being parachuted in at the last minute tonight.
"Loved sharing the screen with you again after 16 years… Well done darlin'."
Before he appeared alongside Holly on Dancing on Ice, Stephen said: “I’m very much looking forward to being back hosting alongside my good friend Holly this weekend. It’s big shoes to fill and I’m wishing Phillip a speedy recovery.
“'I’m a big fan of Dancing on Ice and for one night only I’m thrilled to be rink side watching the action unfold. It’s going to be unbelievable!”
Meanwhile, Phillip watched the show from the comfort of his home with a gin and tonic in hand, having tested himself several times in the hopes of a negative result.
The This Morning presenter shared a photo of his lateral flow tests, writing on Instagram : “Sorry Dancing On Ice. Have an amazing show Stephen Mulhern it's so much fun x.”
