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Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary paid tribute to Phillip Schofield on the first episode of This Morning since his exit.
The 61-year-old presenter confirmed he was leaving the ITV daytime show in a statement over the weekend, while his co-star Holly Willoughby is taking a two week break over half term before returning next month.
At the start of Monday’s episode, Alison Hammond said: ‘Now, 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.’
Her co-host Dermot O’Leary continued: ‘So, 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 this show such a success over the last 21 years.’
Alison hailed him as ‘one of the best’, adding: ‘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.’
Addressing the next couple of weeks, Dermot said: ‘Holly’s now taking a break over half term. She’ll be back in the studio in two weeks on Monday the 5th of June.’
Phillip Schofield has left This Morning while Holly Willoughby is taking a break (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
On Saturday, Phil announced that he was stepping down from the show ‘with immediate effect’, with his Holly set to remain to front the programme with members of the This Morning family.
In a statement, following multiple reports regarding the alleged ‘fallout’ between the pair, he wrote: ‘I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.
Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary addressed the news (Picture: ITV)
‘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.’
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He has since been spotted in Cornwall seeking solace with his 85-year-old mother Pat, strolling along the seaside.
Holly said in her own statement: ‘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.’
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV1.
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