Phillip Schofield gave an 'emotional' speech to This Morning viewers on Monday, as he returned to host the show for the first time in three week.
While Phillip and co-host Holly Willoughby traditionally take a few weeks for Easter, Phillip took his leave of absence a week earlier than Holly, as his brother stood trial, with Timothy Schofield eventually found guilty of sexually abusing a teenage boy over a three-year period.
After the verdict was delivered, Phillip released a statement in which he said he 'no longer had a brother' and, while he didn't mention the trial specifically as he returned to This Morning on Monday, Phillip did elude to it when he addressed viewers right at the start of the programme.
Siting next to Rochelle Humes, a replacement for the sick Holly, Phillip said: "And I wanted to say it is really lovely to be back. I have missed the show and everyone here. And also to you (the viewers) I want to say thank you for all your kind message of support which were really appreciated. So thank you very much indeed."
Holly was forced off Monday's This Morning after being struck down by shingles and Phillip also took the opportunity to update viewers on her condition, explaining: "Holly isn't well today, so sadly is off today and perhaps a few more days with a bout of shingles...ouch!
"So if you are watching at home Holly, get well soon, the whole team sends you their love," before he turned to Rochelle and adding: "Thank you Rochelle for coming to play."
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