ITV This Morning viewers were left confused on Thursday (December 1) when Holly Willoughby was missing from the sofa, leaving Phillip Schofield to front the show by himself.
As Phil was introduced following Lorraine Kelly's programme, the presenter couldn't help but say: "You're on your own! Where's Holly?" To which Phil responded: "I'll explain where Holly is soon..."
He went on to reveal that Holly was at her son's nativity play and would be joining him back in the studio later on today. Following an ad break, Phil told viewers: "You might notice there is someone missing, that's because Holly is busy doing something that a lot of parents up and down the country can relate to. She is at Chester's nativity play."
Holly then appeared on the screen, looking very blurry from the bad connection, as she explained: "I'm at Chester's school. The cast are getting ready for quarter past 10, they're all going on stage. You say nativity, there is a nativity of sorts but we're actually following Clarence the camel, who is on a journey to find his home.
"Will he get there? I don't know. I can see behind the camera here that there are lots of children dressed as Christmas puddings, so it's all going off here."
Phil then asked the presenter which role her son was playing, to which she responded: "Chester is playing Father Christmas. He has a very important role. He's full of lots of stuffing and he's looking super cute."
"I've got my tissues in my pocket, I'm ready to cry because it's been very emotional," Holly then shared before explaining it's the perfect way to start Christmas it's now 1 December.
Holly then revealed that the headmaster of the school was holding her camera for her to be able to broadcast live from the school. "Normally I'm in all sorts of trouble, but the headmaster is holding the phone. So thank you to him."
Phillip then told her to enjoy the show before explaining that she'll be back in the studio as soon as the play is finished. "You'll be here later in the show," he said as Holly replied: "I will, I'm running there as quickly as possible and thank you for letting me come here. It means the world!"
Viewers were initially left confused by Holly's absence - while others wondered why This Morning didn't get another presenter to stand-in for her. @JoshTW17 asked: "#ThisMorning where’s holly?" while @onlysmols questioned: "Holly not fancy it this morning? #thismorning".
@Hotsunnydaze1 said: "Why didn't you get our Josie in today to cover for Holly? #ThisMorning" and @Boppity_Boo34 commented: "What’s point in Holly coming in for an hour an half #ThisMorning".
@gepowell_ reckoned: "Phil looks so uncomfortable without Holly #ThisMorning" and @gallostrops echoed: "Poor Phil. You can tell he’s really struggling this morning without Holly #ThisMorning".
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