Alison Hammond called an immediate halt to Monday's This Morning to pay tribute to Phillip Schofield, days after his headline hitting exit from the show.
Posting on Instagram, 24 hours after Alison hosted the programme alongside Dermot O'Leary, and just two days after what was to be his final appearance on the famous sofa, Phillip broke the news that he was leaving the high profile job he'd held for over 20 years.
In the message uploaded to his Insta story, Phillip 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."
Confirming he'd left the show, Phillip added: "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.
READ MORE: Gino D'Acampo centre of 'awkward' Phillip Schofield moment on ITV
On Sunday, as Phillip's This Morning exit continued to be a major talking point, ITV confirmed that Alison and Dermot would be fronting the show for the coming week, with Holly also taking a leave of absence and, as viewers tuned in on Monday to see what, if any, acknowledgement would be made about Phillip leaving, Aison launched straight into a tribute to him as soon as the camera cut to her and Dermot in the studio.
She said: "We couldn'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."
Taking over, Dermot added: "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."
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