ITV’s This Morning briefly addressed the departure of ex-host Phillip Schofield on Monday, May 22. It was the first show after 61-year-old presenter Phillip Schofield sensationally quit the programme with immediate effect two days ago.
Bookies' favourite replacements Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary presented on Monday. “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 began. 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.”
Speaking of the tribute to Phillip one viewer wrote: "Well that was some tribute... So quick I missed it." A second echoed: "That was short and sweet that loved no montage of his 20 yrs."
A third commented: "Blink and you miss it mention of Phil." And a fourth said: "What an awful tribute to @Schofe on #thismorning"
A further person added: "That’s it 9 seconds for Phil’s career." And someone else said: "#ThisMorning The most ungenuine tribute ever."
Prior to his exit, long-time host Phillip co-presented This Morning alongside Holly Willoughby Mondays to Thursdays but for weeks there had been talk of a feud between the pair who were once close friends. ITV confirmed Holly is taking a break and will return to This Morning on Monday, June 5 having taken an early half-term holiday starting this week.
As mentioned Phillip announced the news in a statement on Saturday, May 20, writing: "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."
Kevin Lygo, ITV's Managing Director, Media and Entertainment said: "Phillip is hands down one of the best broadcasters of his generation and we thank him for his two decades worth of absolutely terrific television on the This Morning sofa.
"This Morning is made by one of the best and most diligent teams in television, who produce over 12 hours of live television each week. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Phillip starting with The British Soap Awards in June and a brand new peak time series to come."
Holly Willoughby, meanwhile, said of her former co-host: "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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