ITV confirmed that Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond would take over presenting This Morning, as Holly Willoughby is off for the half-term holidays - and Phillip Schofield dramatically leaves.
The Mirror reports that Phil was axed from the This Morning couch, as ITV released a statement confirming he would be stepping down from presenting the morning programme.
He co-hosted the show alongside Holly Willoughby for over 13 years - but Alison and Dermot only briefly mentioned his exit on the programme.
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Kicking off the show, Alison said: "Now we can't start today's show without paying tribute to the man who has spent the last two decades sitting on this sofa – Phillip Schofield."
Dermot continued: "Everyone on and off the screen at ITV and This Morning want to say a huge thank you to Phil for what he's done to make this show 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."
Explaining Holly's absence, Dermot said: "Holly is taking a break over half term, she'll be back in the studio in two weeks."
However, viewers of the show were left a bit confused by this tribute, as one Twitter user said: "So after 20 years all Scofe gets is a 2 minute tribute at the beginning not at all awkward #ThisMorning."
Another wrote: "#thismorning ok turned on just to see the most insincere tribute and send off ever and l am now switching permanently to another daytime programme. Can’t watch that motley crew now. Its had its day."
A third added: "Christ, Dermot looks like he's announcing that someone died talking about Schofield leaving #ThisMorning. The only thing that has died Dermot is Phillip Schofield's career and ITV's integrity."
The rumours of a "feud" between Holly and Phil have dominated the news last week, but nothing was mentioned at all during the show.
On Saturday, ITV confirmed Phillip's exit after more than 20 years on the This Morning sofa.
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It was announced Phillip will continue to presenter peak time shows for ITV including next month’s The British Soap Awards and a new prime time series while Holly will remain on This Morning.
Phillip 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."
Holly Willoughby added: “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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