This Morning pays tribute to Phil...‘one of the best live TV broadcasters we’ve ever had’
ALISON Hammond and Dermot O’Leary saluted Phillip Schofield as one of TV’s finest presenters as they picked up the reins of This Morning.
The pair stepped in to host the first edition of the ITV show since Phillip stepped down with “immediate effect” after fronting it for more than 20 years.
Opening the broadcast yesterday, Alison said: “We can’t start without paying tribute to the man who spent the last two decades sitting on the This Morning sofa – Phillip Schofield.”
Dermot continued: “So as a show, everyone on and off screen at ITV and This Morning 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, 48, added: “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.”
Dermot, 49, confirmed that Holly Willoughby will be back in the studio from Monday, June 5.
Holly, 42, had hosted This Morning alongside Phillip, 61, since 2009 in what was regarded as one of TV’s most popular screen couples.
His departure on Saturday followed reports of a rift developing between the pair.
Holly is staying on the show but is taking early half-term holiday leave, with Alison and Dermot filling in yesterday. It is not yet known who will present the show for the rest of the week. ITV said Holly will “copresent with members of the This Morning family” when she returns.
Phillip’s final show was last Thursday, his departure coming after months of controversy. This included reports of his relationship with Holly coming under strain, his brother Tim Schofield’s sex abuse trial and the furore over his and his long-time co-host’s “queue-jumping” visit to see the late Queen lying in state.
Phillip quit in a statement, saying: “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 ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on and I want to do what I can to protect the show I love. So I have agreed to step down with immediate effect, in the hope 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 responded by saying: “It’s been over 13 great years presenting This Morning with Phil and I want to thank him for all of his knowledge, his experience and his humour.
“The sofa won’t feel the same without him.”
Phillip will continue to host “peaktime shows” for ITV including The British Soap Awards on June 3 and a new prime-time series, the broadcaster has confirmed.