A body language expert has said that Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond showed 'sadness' in their 'genuine tribute' to Phillip Schofield. The hosting duo were seen fronting This Morning on Monday (May 22) in a change from their usual Friday slow.
The pair were drafted in after Phillip Schofield sensationally quit This Morning after 20 years. Phillip said in a statement that the programme had 'become the story' and that he wanted to "do what I can to protect the show that I love" after rumours were rife that he and Holly Willoughby were 'barely speaking' behind the scenes amid a 'rift' between the pair.
Holly also didn't appear back on the programme after the weekend's news following her decision to take an extra week off work ahead of her pre-planned half-term break next week. The 42-year-old will therefore return to the helm of the show on June 5.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
But opening the first show of the week today (Monday), Alison, 48, and Dermot, 49, appeared sombre as they addressed the news and paid tribute to their now-former colleague. "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," Alison said.
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 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."
The pair, who were also wearing dark clothing, aside from Alison's pop of red with her cover-up, then cracked on with the show as normal, revealing to viewers what was coming up on the programme.
Dissecting Alison and Dermot's start to the show, body language expert Darren Stanton told Betfair that the presenters showed ‘sadness’ towards Phillip’s show departure during their ‘genuine tribute’ despite it being slammed by viewers.
"Alison did most of the talking and displayed lots of open palm gestures, which is a sign of openness and honesty," Darren said. "Despite appearing slightly nervous, Dermot was especially good in his delivery and getting his words out. I think Dermot is the most affected, but they both showed genuine sadness over Phillip’s departure.
"From a nonverbal perspective, Alison was talking in line with the words, which means she had total confidence in what she was saying. She wasn’t just delivering lines from an autocue, but she truly believed what she was saying. It was definitely a genuine and authentic tribute to Phillip’s service on the show."
Darren also said that Dermot displayed ‘uneasiness and uncertainty’ as he suggested it will ‘take time for the pair to find their feet this week’. He said: "There’s quite a lot of tell-tale signs in Dermot and Alison’s body language today that proved the pair were slightly uncomfortable. It wasn’t specifically their personalities, but clearly there’s an awkwardness in the studio.
"Dermot’s body language is most obvious as he displayed lots of pacifying gestures, which are gestures of uneasiness. There isn’t so much a lack of confidence, but there was an uncertainty to his presenting. It was almost as though he wasn’t comfortable during the early moments of today’s show.
"He appeared to interlock his fingers quite a lot and often clasped his hands together, which are both gestures that denote uneasiness and awkwardness. Alison also displayed a few hand clasps, which also signify that someone is unsure in themselves. Throughout the show Dermot sat with his arms folded quite a lot and used his script as a bit of a defensive. Again, I think he definitely feels more uncomfortable and unsure out of the two. I think it’s going to take time for them both to find their feet this week."
READ NEXT:
- Gorka Marquez's sweet 'winner' remark about Helen Skelton as he finally addresses missing out on Strictly Glitterball
- Coronation Street's Ryan Prescott gives his verdict on Ryan and Daisy romance as Justin's trial nears
- Helen Flanagan admits she's 'overwhelmed' before night out with daughter after addressing co-parenting with Scott Sinclair
- Coronation Street's Jack P Shepherd leaves fans emotional with special behind the scenes tribute to soap icons
- Fans ask 'where can I get one' as Gemma Atkinson shares 'threatening' reason for co-star's leaving gift
