Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary pay tribute to Phillip Schofield on This Morning

Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary paid tribute to Phillip Schofield live on This Morning on Monday as they stepped in to host ITV show after he was axed.

Phillip, 61, announced on Saturday he would be stepping down from hosting This Morning after 21 years amid his alleged feud with Holly.

They started the show by addressing his recent exit and said: ‘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.

‘Everyone on and off screen at ITV 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. He’s an incredible broadcaster’

The duo then addressed Holly Willoughby’s absence, confirming she’s taking two weeks off for ‘half term’.

‘He’s an incredible broadcaster’: Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary paid tribute to Phillip Schofield live on This Morning on Monday as they stepped in to host ITV show after he was axed

Shock exit: Phillip, 61, announced on Saturday he would be stepping down from hosting This Morning after 21 years amid his alleged feud with Holly

Alison and Dermot, who co-host the show on Fridays, will be on the sofa in their absence on Monday morning and are hot contenders to take over Phil’s role permanently given their experience.

However, ITV have not yet confirmed a permanent replacement nor who will host for the rest of the week.

Phillip Schofield announced on Saturday he would be stepping down from hosting This Morning after 21 years amid his alleged feud with Holly Willoughby.

He said in his statement: ‘I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.

‘Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind.’

Holly said: ‘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.’

Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Managing Director, Media and Entertainment said: ‘Phillip is hands down one of the best broadcasters of his generation and we thank him for his two decades worth of absolutely terrific television on the This Morning sofa.

‘This Morning is made by one of the best and most diligent teams in television, who produce over 12 hours of live television each week.

‘We look forward to continuing our relationship with Phillip starting with The British Soap Awards in June and a brand new peak time series to come.’