Singer and presenter Rochelle Humes has issued a heartfelt tribute to Phillip Schofield. The two have regularly fronted episodes of This Morning together, with Rochelle often stepping in for Holly Willoughby.
ITV's flagship daytime programme has been rocked by drama recently with the rumoured feud between friends and co-stars of 14 years, Phil and Holly. Phil sensationally quit This Morning over the weekend stating that the broadcaster had "decided the current situation can't go on".
His 20 years of the sofa came to an end with "immediate effect" with his last episode having been on Thursday, May 18. Holly is taking an early half-term break, so Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary hosted the programme on Monday, May 22.
The presenters opened the show with a "blink and you miss it" tribute to the veteran host. Alison said: "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."
Dermot then added: "As a show, everyone on and off screen at ITV and This Morning want to 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 continued: “Quite simply, we all know he’s one of the best live television broadcasters that this country has ever had and we and all the team wish him all the best for the future.” It came after Good Morning Britain and Lorraine ignored the breaking news. You can read more on this here.
Now Rochelle, who often presented alongside Phil, has shared an emotional tribute on her Instagram account. Sharing three pictures of the pair laughing while live on air, Rochelle said: "I've proudly been a part of the This Morning family for almost 10 years and over the last few, it has been an absolute pleasure learning so much from you. Thanks for all the lessons - you're a fountain of knowledge and laughter. Big love @schofe."
ITV's chef Clodagh McKenna also share a statement. Posting a picture of the pair in the This Morning kitchen, Clodagh wrote: "21 years of brightening up our mornings…. And I’ve been so lucky to be part of 3 of them. I’ll miss the morning hug, the twinkle in your eye that makes me giggle and your empathy. You will be missed @schofe."
It comes after Phil announced he was sensationally quitting the show with a statement on Saturday, May 20. He wrote: "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."
Holly also released a statement, it read: "It's been over 13 great years presenting This Morning with Phil and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all of his knowledge, his experience and his humour. The sofa won’t feel the same without him." For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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