'This Morning's Alison Hammond has hailed Phillip Schofield as "one of the best live television broadcasters" Britain has ever produced.
Phillip Schofield recently exited the ITV show
The 61-year-old presenter recently announced that he was stepping down from 'This Morning' "with immediate effect" after more than 20 years on the show, and co-hosts Alison and Dermot O'Leary have both acknowledged that he's played a huge part in the programme's success.
Alison said: "Now, 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."
Dermot continued: "So, as a show, everyone on and off screen at ITV and 'This Morning' wants 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."
Alison also wished the veteran TV presenter well for the future.
She said: "Quite simply, we all know he is 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 subsequently confirmed that Holly Willoughby - Phillip's former co-host - will return to the show in June.
He said: "Holly has now taken a break over half-term. She'll be back in the studio two weeks on Monday, on the fifth of June."
Phillip announced his departure from 'This Morning' over the weekend.
He said in a statement: "Throughout my career in TV - including in the very difficult last few 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.
"So I have agreed to step down from 'This Morning' with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future."
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