Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond appeared "sad and tired" as they put on a brave face while returning to This Morning.
Following days of controversy surrounding the show and former host Phillip Schofield, it appears that the troubles have hit the two presenters as they issued an awkward statement.
Seconds into the programme hosts Alison Dermot acknowledged the drama surrounding the show, with O'Leary saying: "We know we have been in the news at the moment. But just from both of us and the whole team here, the crew, the guys downstairs, we love making this show for all of you."
Alison added: "We really do and that's exactly what we're gonna do - we're continuing to do that."
Their comments came minutes after Phillip, 61, took to Instagram rubbishing the allegations and insisted he was now "free" to share his side of the story.
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, leading body language expert Judi James has issued her verdict on their rather awkward return.
She said: "Should two talented, likeable, authentic presenters ever have to start their show performing the kind of tough-guy, clasping handshake and eye-to-eye contact that makes them look like soldiers going into battle?
"Because that was what the 'drawn-the-short-straw-twice' duo Dermot and Alison were seen to do on this second fronting of This Morning since Schofield went. It was a touching gesture but sad to watch."
Reflecting on Alison's body language, Judi explained: "Alison looked unhappy and uncomfortable at the start of this show and her very frequent glances at Dermot and the way she kept rolling her pen between her fingers suggested a desire for support.
"Dermot was using barrier gestures or self-diminishing poses, sitting with his arms folded across his chest during the pre-show trailer and then sitting in a lowered pose with his upper arms pressed against his torso in a self-hug and his hands thrust between his thighs to suggest a desire to hide as he delivered the lines about being 'in the news at the moment' and that 'we love making this show' as the pair sat on the sofa together for the first interviews.
"Dermot's eyes looked tired and Alison's looked sad."
Judi continued: "When Gyles Brandreth tried to pitch in, describing it as a 'happy place to work' though, Dermot suddenly had his face hidden behind his coffee mug while Alison looked down in a cut-off gesture."
In an unexpected statement, Phillip said: "Now I no longer work on @thismorning I am free to say this. I hope you have noticed that it’s the same handful of people with a grudge against me or the show who seem to have the loudest voice.
"This Morning IS the best show to work on, with the best people. In all the years I worked there there was no toxicity. You can listen to those persistently loud voices if you like.
"But the thousands of guests over the years, thousands of staff and crew, hundreds of presenters and contributors all know, it IS a family of wonderful, talented, kind and hardworking people."
