This Morning's Dermot O'Leary sends apology as he's…

This Morning's Dermot O'Leary sends apology as he's called out moments after 35-second Phillip Schofield tribute

Dermot O'Leary issued a quiet apology after he was called out for his mini mistakes just a mere couple of minutes into the first episode of This Morning without Phillip Schofield. The presenter and his co-host Alison Hammond were drafted in on Monday (May 22) after news of Phillip's exit broke over the weekend.

The veteran TV presenter sensationally quit This Morning after 20 years. Phillip said in a statement that the programme had 'become the story' and that he wanted to "do what I can to protect the show that I love" after rumours were rife that he and Holly Willoughby were 'barely speaking' behind the scenes amid a 'rift' between the pair.

The 61-year-old also 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." He added: "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."

Alison and Dermot were drafted in to host This Monring on Monday (may 22) following Phillip's exit and Holly's decision to take an extra week off work ahead of her pre-planned half-term break next week. The 42-year-old will therefore return to the helm of the show on June 5.

But opening the first show of the week today (Monday), Alison, 48, and Dermot, 49, appeared sombre as they addressed the news and paid tribute to their now-former colleague. "We can’t start today’s show without paying tribute to the man who spent the last two decades sitting on the This Morning sofa. Phillip Schofield," Alison said.

Dermot continued: "So as a show, everyone on and off screen at ITV and This Morning say a huge thank you to Phil for what he’s done to make the show such 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."

Alison and Dermot opened the show with a tribute (ITV)

The pair then cracked on with the show as normal, revealing to viewers what was coming up on the programme. But as they made their way across the studio before appearing on the famous sofa, Alison checked whether Dermot was alright after he dropped his pen moments after the tribute.

She added: "You're dropping everything today" Dermot responded: "Sorry my lid has just fell. You never get that back as well if it hits the floor." Alison replied with a further criticism, adding: "When we were doing the menu, you were squeaking the chair as well." To which Dermot shot back: "It was a squeaking chair. It was nothing else. I don't want you to think I was caught short in any way shape or form."

It came as viewers found the opening of This Morning 'awkward' and blasted the 35-second tribute. @_drTPhilp tweeted: "The tribute to Phil was less than the Countdown clock #thismorning." @DFTPNK02 said: "That “tribute” made it sound like Phil was dead #ThisMorning."

@Norfolk_Kez complained: "OMG @thismorning who put that car crash together?! He’s not dead, that was way off the mark! Absolutely terrible! #ThisMorning." @CharlieG1908 added: "Well that was awkward... Poor Alison and Dermot having to do that. #ThisMorning."

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