Rochelle Humes is one of the few This Morning stars who have reached out to pay tribute to Phillip Schofield following his departure from the ITV programme.
The former Saturdays' singer, 34, took to Instagram on Monday to share a heartfelt tribute to Phillip, 61, who made the decision to step away from his hosting duties on the show after more than two decades.
While other members of the This Morning team, including Holly Willoughby, Alison Hammond, and Dermot O'Leary have been slammed for their 'mediocre' and 'insincere' words following Phillip's announcement, Rochelle has made it her business to show the fallen presenter just how much is mentoring helped her to excel in her presenting career.
After This Morning hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary addressed the drama of Phil's departure during the show on Monday morning, Rochelle, took to social media to pay a gushing tribute of her own after eagle-eyed This Morning viewers complained that Alison and Dermot seemed 'cold' towards Phillip.
Sharing three throwback photos of herself and Phillip presenting the ITV show together, Rochelle gushed over all the fun times the pair have had together.
"I’ve proudly been a part of the This Morning family for almost 10 years and over the last few, it has been an absolutely pleasure learning so much from you," the TV star penned.
"Thanks for all the lessons – you’re a fountain of love knowledge and laughter," Rochelle added.
This Morning chef Clodagh McKenna has also been praised for her tribute to former host Phillip.
Before Rochelle's post, Irish celebrity chef Clodagh, 48, was dubbed by a number of This Morning viewers as the 'only sincere' person on the set of the ITV programme to show 'real affection' and sadness over Phillip's departure from the show.
While other This Morning stars may have come across as nonchalant about Phillip's departure, celebrity chef Clodagh has been praised for standing by Phillip and speaking in high praise of the former This Morning host.
Taking to Instagram to bid farewell to Phil, Clodagh said it was a pleasure to work alongside the star for so many years.
Alongside a snap of the pair on set in the This Morning kitchen, Clodagh shared her sadness over not being able to work with Phillip any longer.
“21 years of brightening up our mornings. And I’ve been so lucky to be part of 3 of them," the Irish chef penned.
"I’ll miss the morning hug, the twinkle in your eye that makes me giggle and your empathy," she added.
Phillip's departure from This Morning after 21 years followed reports of an unfixable rift between him and his long-time co-host Holly, as well as pressure over his brother, Timothy Schofield's sex abuse trial.
Announcing that he would not be returning to This Morning, Phillip took to his Instagram stories on Saturday afternoon to share the news.
"I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story," he wrote.
"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."
