This Morning viewers upset over 'insincere' Phil Schofield tribute
Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary addressed Phillip Schofield's surprise departure after two decades on the air.
This Morning viewers are upset over the ‘insincere’ tribute to Phillip Schofield on This Morning's Monday’s show.
Schofield hosted the ITV morning show for over 20 years and after rumours of an alleged ‘feud’ between himself and friend and fellow co-presenter Holly Willoughby arose last week, he announced his departure on Saturday (20 May).
Because Holly will be absent from the show over the school holidays, Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary have stepped in to cover this week.
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And it was up to the pair to address Phillip's departure from the show.
"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,” Alison said.
Dermot continued: "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 then 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."
Dermot also addressed Holly’s absence and said she is ‘taking a break over half term’ and will be back in two weeks’ time.
However, viewers were left disappointed by the way Schofield’s departure was handled on screen.
Judging by the reactions from viewers who tuned in today, most people were expecting to a much bigger celebration for the former host.
“[Alison] & Dermot's ‘tribute’ to Phillip Schofield today after 21 years on the show. No video montage from presenters, producers or colleagues that he's worked with over the years. No VT of him saying goodbye? I've had warmer farewells from the dentist.”
Another viewer called the tribute ‘awkward’, writing: “So after 20 years all Scofe gets is a 2 minute tribute at the beginning. Not at all awkward. #ThisMorning.”
While someone else called Alison and Dermot’s farewell message ‘insincere’ and said they can’t watch the show anymore.
They tweeted: “#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.”
And another Twitter user commented: “The highlight of my Monday is seeing the clip of Alison and Dermot giving a nod to Philip Schofield and it’s literally a memorial tribute to someone who has just died.”
However, other viewers defended the tribute, with one viewer writing: “Lots of commentary that This Morning didn’t give a warm or lengthy enough tribute to Philip Schofield!
"Yet if they had, there would have been equal (probably more) criticism. An impossible one to get right.”
Tyla has contacted ITV for comment.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.
Topics: Phillip Schofield, This Morning, ITV, Holly Willoughby
Gregory Robinson