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

Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary have paid tribute to Phillip Schofield on This Morning today, the first show since his departure after more than 20 years.

Opening the programme on Monday, Hammond said they could not start without mentioning the veteran presenter, who announced his exit at the weekend.

O'Leary added: "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."

It came following reports that his relationship with long-term co-presenter Holly Willoughby, who will remain on the show but is currently taking early half-term leave, had come under strain.

Hammond, 48, and O'Leary, 49, already host the show every Friday and are frontrunners to replace Schofield - with ITV yet to announce who will permanently get the role.

Other contenders include The Saturdays singer Rochelle Humes and her husband, JLS star Marvin Humes, as well as familiar This Morning regulars such as Rylan Clark, Josie Gibson and Gino D'Acampo.

What did Schofield say?

Schofield, 61, announced his exit at the weekend after presenting what turned out to be his final show on Thursday.

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

"Throughout my career in TV - including the very difficult last 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."

"This sofa won't feel the same without him."

Willoughby is set to be back in the studio from Monday 5 June.

Previously, the pair have been open about their close friendship over the years, including sharing pictures on social media of joint holidays with their families.

ITV to continue work with Schofield

Kevin Lygo, ITV's managing director of media and entertainment, has said that ITV will continue its relationship with Schofield, despite his This Morning departure, "starting with The British Soap Awards in June and a brand new peak time series to come".

Schofield has faced a difficult few months, including his brother's sex abuse trial, and criticism over his visit to the late Queen's lying in state, as well as his reported rift with Willoughby.

Former civilian police worker Timothy Schofield, 54, was jailed for 12 years on Friday after being convicted of 11 sexual offences involving a child between October 2016 and October 2019, including two of sexual activity with a child.

-sky news