Viewers have criticised ITV shows Good Morning Britain and Lorraine for ignoring the news that Phillip Schofield has stepped down from presenting This Morning. It was announced over the weekend that after 20 years at the helm, the presenter was leaving with immediate effect.
It came after days of rumours about a behind-the-scenes feud with co-host Holly Willoughby. Viewers were expecting GMB hosts Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley to mention the weekend's news. But many say there were disappointed when it was only briefly mentioned during the news roundup.
On Twitter, @CarmenaBCardiff said: "Soooo we're really going to just not say anything then? I am not shocked maybe the BBC will #GMB." While @bill_dyke1 commented: "Why aren't GMB talking about the biggest story to hit ITV in years? Strange! #gmb.
Read more: This Morning's Monday hosts confirmed by ITV following Phillip Schofield exit
Another said: "As the entertainment reporter, let's see if Richard Arnold mentions Schofield! If not, ITV presenters have been told not to talk about him, and that is diabolical!#gmb."
Presenting their news round-up, Ranvir Singh said Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary will be standing in for the pair, as Holly takes a two-week break for half-term.
"ITV has confirmed Holly Willoughby will continue to co-present with members of the This Morning family when she returns from break on June 5."
Lorraine also failed to mention the fall-out from the weekend announcement in the first half of her show. Some fans called it "weird" that they were "completely ignoring the biggest news story of the weekend".
Holly Willoughby, who Schofield has hosted alongside since 2009, will remain on the show but she is taking early half-term holiday leave next week and will return on June 5, the broadcaster has said.
Hammond and O'Leary, who co-host the show on Fridays, will be on the sofa in their absence on Monday morning but ITV has not yet confirmed who will present for the rest of the week. The pair are both hot contenders to take over Schofield's role given their experience on the show. The pair opened Monday's show by addressing Phil's exit but viewers weren't impressed. You can read more on that here.
Hammond, 48, is currently bookmaker Ladbrokes favourite - giving her 2/1 odds. The beloved presenter first rose to fame as a Big Brother contestant in 2002 before joining This Morning in the same year.
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During her time on the ITV show over the last two decades, she has become known for her ability to reduce even the biggest A-listers into fits of laughter.
O'Leary, 49, who has appeared on the show as a presenter throughout the years, currently has been given 4/1 odds by Ladbrokes. The Saturdays singer Rochelle Humes and her husband, JLS star Marvin Humes, are among the other presenters potentially in the running as well as Rylan Clark, Josie Gibson and Gino D'Acampo.
ITV has said Willoughby will stay on This Morning and will "co-present with members of the This Morning family" in the interim. Last Thursday marked Schofield'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 Willoughby, his brother's sex abuse trial and furore over his visit to the late Queen's lying in state.
Schofield, 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 - and I'll see you all for the Soap Awards next month."
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