Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary have paid tribute to Phillip Schofield on This Morning today, the first show since his departure after more than 20 years.
Opening the programme on Monday, Hammond told viewers: “We all know he’s one of the best live television broadcasters this country has ever had.”
O’Leary added: “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.”
Schofield, who joined the show in 2002, said on Saturday that he was stepping back because the programme had “become the story” and “I want to do what I can to protect the show I love”.
It came following reports that his relationship with long-term co-presenter Holly Willoughby, who will remain on the show but is currently taking early half-term leave, had come under strain.
Hammond, 48, and O’Leary, 49, already host the show every Friday and are among the favourites to replace Schofield – with ITV yet to announce who will permanently get the role.
