Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary have paid tribute to Phillip Schofield on This Morning as we speak, the primary present since his departure after greater than 20 years.

Opening the programme on Monday, Hammond stated they might not begin with out mentioning the veteran presenter.

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."

Hammond continued: "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."

Schofield, who joined the present in 2002, stated on Saturday that he was stepping back as a result of the programme had "become the story" and "I want to do what I can to protect the show I love".

It got here following stories that his relationship with long-term co-presenter Holly Willoughby, who will stay on the present however is at present taking early half-term depart, had come beneath pressure.

Hammond, 48, and O'Leary, 49, already host the present each Friday and are frontrunners to interchange Schofield - with ITV but to announce who will completely get the position.

Other contenders embody The Saturdays singer Rochelle Humes and her husband, JLS star Marvin Humes, in addition to acquainted This Morning regulars akin to Rylan Clark, Josie Gibson and Gino D'Acampo.

Schofield, 61, introduced his exit on the weekend after presenting what turned out to be his closing present on Thursday.

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

"Throughout my profession in TV - together with the very tough final days - I've all the time carried out my finest to be honourable and sort.

"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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Shortly afterwards, Willoughby shared her personal assertion, saying: "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.

"This couch will not really feel the identical with out him."