Holly Willoughby might have been missing from This Morning on Monday but it didn't take long for her name to be mentioned, as Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary took over hosting duties.
The award winning daytime show returned to screens for the first time since Phillip Schofield confirmed his departure from his long-held role as presenter via Instagram, amid rumours of a behind the scenes feud with Holly.
In his statement, Phillip said: "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."
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He added that he hoped that This Morning would go onto 'a bright future,' just as ITV also confirmed that Holly would be taking an immediate break from the show, beginning her half term break a week earlier than originally intended.
Alison and Dermot began Monday's show with a tribute to Phillip, with Dermot saying everyone at This Morning and ITV wanted to 'thank' him for making the show such a success.
Moving swiftly onto to explain why Holly wasn't there, Dermot added: "So, Holly's now taking a break a break for half term, she'll be back in the studio in two weeks, Monday, June 5."
Holly issued her own statement in response to Phillip's news at the weekend, writing: "It’s been over 13 great years presenting This Morning with Phil and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all of his knowledge, his experience and his humour. The sofa won’t feel the same without him.”
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