The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Presenters’ Schofield tribute
Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary hailed Phillip Schofield as “one of the best live television broadcasters this country has ever had”, as they presented the first episode of This Morning since Schofield’s exit.
On Saturday, Schofield announced he was stepping down from presenting the ITV talk show with “immediate effect” after more than 20 years on the programme.
Holly Willoughby, who has hosted alongside Schofield since 2009, will remain on the show but she is taking early half-term holiday leave, with Hammond and O’Leary filling in yesterday.
Opening the broadcast, Hammond 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.”
O’Leary said: “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 the show such a success over the last 21 years.”
Hammond continued: “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.”
O’Leary confirmed Willoughby will be back in the studio from Monday June 5. It is not yet known who will present the show for the rest of the week.
ITV has said Willoughby will “co-present with members of the This Morning family” when she returns.
Last Thursday marked Schofield’s last day on the show as the broadcaster said he will not be returning for a final episode.
His departure comes after he has faced months of controversy including reports of a rift with his long-time co-host Willoughby, his brother’s sex abuse trial and furore over his visit to the late Queen’s lying in state.
However, former This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes said Willoughby “knows the truth” about why Schofield has left the show.
Speaking on his GB News breakfast show, Holmes said: “Holly knows the truth, the story is with her.”
Schofield will continue to present “peak-time shows” for ITV including next month’s The British Soap Awards.