This Morning fans were left scratching their heads after today's hosts Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond's "weird" tribute to Phillip Schofield after his shock exit from the show.
Long-standing This Morning presenter Phil, 61, confirmed he was leaving the show after 21 years at the helm after reports of a "feud" with co-host Holly Willoughby, 42.
Today, regulars on the famed blue sofa Dermot, 49, and Alison, 48, – who usually host each Friday – presented the show, much to many fans' delight.
And while Holly is set to return to the studio after a break over the half term on June 5, it's not yet known who will present for the rest of the week.
Opening Monday morning's instalment of the daytime favourite, Alison and Dermot said they couldn't begin without first acknowledging Phil's tenure and exit from the show.
Alison began: "Now, we can't start today's show without paying tribute to the man who has spent the last two decades sitting on this sofa – Phillip Schofield."
Dermot said: "Everyone on and off the screen at ITV and This Morning want to say a huge thank you to Phil for what he's done to make this show a success over the last 21 years."
Alison added: "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."
Alison and Dermot also addressed Holly's absence, and confirmed her return next month. Following their words, viewers flocked to Twitter to share their thoughts.
One said: "Dermot and Alison looking visibly upset reading the #philipschofield tribute on #thismorning must be a difficult show for them today."
Another viewer said: "Alison n Dermot are class act this morning.. keeping calm n carrying on.."
But other fans were less than impressed with their tribute. "This is all so weird & sad. In another world Phil would have had the BIGGEST send off, holly adored him & has said SO many times she wouldn't do show without him & @ITV think public will swallow 30 second tribute & Holly's flat pass agg statement …" penned one.
Another commented: "Wot a load of cr*p….that beginning was soooo false & cringe #ThisMorning", while a third said: "#thismorning ok turned on just to see the most insincere tribute and send off ever and l am now switching permanently to another daytime programme. Can't watch that motley crew now. Its had its day".
Another said: "Watching the start of #ThisMorning with a cut and paste opening titles and Dermot and Alison paying a *small* tribute to Phillip".
One viewer quipped: "The mood today on #thismorning seems very sombre. Has someone's career died?"
While another said: "Christ, Dermot looks like he's announcing that someone died talking about Schofield leaving #ThisMorning."
And another simply added: "Sorry not watching".
Phillip began hosting This Morning in 2002, with Holly going on to join him as his co-host in 2009, replacing Fern Britton. He'll return to ITV screens next month to present The British Soap Awards.
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