This Morning fans have been left confused by Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary's tribute to Phillip Schofield today with many branding it 'very weird'.
Presenter Phil announced on Saturday that he was quitting the show after 20 years after a 'very difficult last few days'.
His statement read: "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."
And today as Alison and Dermot stepped in for presenting duties, as Holly is off for two weeks, they paid tribute to Phil before the show kicked off.
Alison said: "Now we can't start today's show without paying tribute to the man who has been on the sofa for two decades, Phillip Schofield."
Dermot added: "Everyone on and off the screen at This Morning wants to say a big thank you to Phil who helped make this show a success."
Alison said: "Quite simply, we all know he is 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."
Dermot said: "So Holly has now taken a break over half term and she will be back in the studio in two weeks time, on Monday 5th of June."
The pair then continued on with the show.
But fans flocked to Twitter to talk about the 'awkward' statement with many saying they were talking as if Phil had died.
One wrote: "Am I the only one picking up the sadness and tension on This morning. None of them look like they want to be there. It’s worse than last week."
Another added: "Just tuned into This Morning and Alison and Dermot literally spent one minute talking about Schofield as if he was dead, absolutely bizarre timeline we live in."
While one added: "The whole 'paying tribute' thing makes it sound like Phillip died! #ThisMorning."
And one said: " #ThisMorning paying tribute to Phillip Schofield like he’s dead."
Another wrote: "Weird intro to #ThisMorning with a sombre tribute to Philip Schofield and still pictures as though he'd died."
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