Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

This Morning’s Holly Willoughby conspicuously absent from Phillip Schofield tribute

Stand-in ‘This Morning’ hosts acknowledged Schofield’s shock departure over the weekend

Nicole Vassell
Monday 22 May 2023 10:35 BST
Comments
Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary pay tribute to This Morning's Phillip Schofield

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Holly Willoughby was conspiciously absent from images of her former co-host Phillip Schofield, during a tribute on today’s (Monday 22 May) episode of This Morning.

Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary led the tribute to Schofield on the first episode of the ITV show since his shock resignation.

The 61-year-old announced his exit from the popular ITV morning show “with immediate effect” on Saturday (20 May) after weeks of rumours of a rift with his main co-host, Holly Willoughby.

You can follow along with updates as they happen here.

On Monday’s edition (22 May) of the programme, Hammond and O’Leary began by acknowledging their former colleague’s exit.

“We can’t start without paying tribute to the man who spent the last two decades sitting on the This Morning sofa, Phillip Schofield,” Hammond explained.

“The 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.

“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.”

O’Leary then clarified that Willoughby, who most frequently hosted with Schofield, was currently on a break ahead of the school half-term and would return to the show on Monday 5 June.

Alison Hammond, Phillip Schofield and Dermot O’Leary
Alison Hammond, Phillip Schofield and Dermot O’Leary (ITV)

During the brief tribute, the programme displayed photos of Schofield, alone, at work over the years.

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free
Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

Willoughby is said to have given ITV an ultimatum before her former presenting partner’s departure was announced.

“Holly made it clear it was her or Phil but he refused to go until he was given something else concrete that he could announce,” an executive told The Times.

In a statement after the news broke on Saturday (20 May), Willoughby thanked Schofield for “all of his knowledge, his experience and his humour.”

She added: “The sofa won’t feel the same without him.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in