Alsion Hammond and Dermot O'Leary have paid a touching tribute to Phillip Schofield after he was forced to quit This Morning.
The pair are stepping in as This Morning hosts following Phillip's shock departure from the show at the weekend after weeks of ITV controversy.
The show began with the pair commenting on the ongoing drama and Phil's dramatic exit on Saturday.
Alison said: "Now we can't start today's show without paying tribute to the man who has been on the sofa for two decades, Phillip Schofield."
Dermot added: "Everyone on and off the screen at This Morning wants to say a big thank you to Phil who helped make this show a success."
The moment, dedicated to Philip saw a montage of pictures showing him alone, rather than with his longtime co-host Holly Willoughby, played on screen.
Alison said: "Quite simply, we all know he is 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 added: "So Holly has now taken a break over half term and she will be back in the studio in two weeks time, on Monday 5th of June."
The pair then continued with the show.
Hammond and O’Leary, who co-host the show on Fridays, appeared on Monday's segment of the show.
ITV has not yet confirmed who will present for the rest of the week.
ITV has said Willoughby will stay on This Morning and will “co-present with members of the This Morning family” in the interim.
The 61-year-old's exit comes amid rampant reports of a 'feud' between him and Holly Willoughby and after his brother, Timothy Schofield, was sentenced to 12 years in jail on Friday, after he was convicted of 11 sexual offences, including two of sexual activity with a child.
Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here .
READ NEXT:
Eamonn Holmes says it's a 'good day' after Phillip Schofield leaves This Morning
