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Phillip Schofield’s This Morning exit was certainly emphasised within the first 10 seconds of the programme, as the former presenter and Holly Willoughby were removed from the opening titles.
On Saturday, TV personality Phil, 61, announced that he would be stepping down from the ITV show ‘with immediate effect’, with his former co-star Holly Willoughby 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 Phillip, 61, and Holly, 42, he wrote: ‘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.’
As the opening credits rolled for Monday’s instalment, attentive viewers noticed that Phil and Holly’s usual cameos were missing.
This notable change didn’t go unnoticed, as one person tweeted: ‘Ooft cut them all from opening titles, ouch.’
‘They didn’t waste time changing the opening credits,’ another added.
Moments later, today’s hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary paid tribute to Phil, with Alison hailing him ‘one of the best.’
‘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,’ the Bake Off star began.
Phillip announced his departure from This Morning on the weekend (Picture: ITV)
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Dermot 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.’
Following his announcement, Phil has since been spotted in Cornwall seeking solace with his 85-year-old mother Pat, strolling along the seaside.
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In one snap published by The Sun, he could be seen holding onto his mother’s hand while they strolled along a coastal path, the sea behind them in the distance.
The mother and son hugged and laughed as they basked in the sunshine and enjoyed each other’s company.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.
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Alison and Dermot hosted Monday’s This Morning.
