Phillip Schofield‘s departure from This Morning was clearly highlighted within the first 10 seconds of the show, as the previous host and Holly Willoughby were deleted from the opening titles.
Phil, said on Saturday that he will be leaving the ITV show ‘with immediate effect,’ with his former co-star Holly Willoughby poised to continue to head the show with rest of the This Morning family.
In a statement, following multiple reports regarding the alleged ‘fallout’ between Phillip, 61, and Holly, 42, he wrote: ‘Throughout my career in TV – including 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.’
As the opening titles for Monday’s episode played, fans noted that Phil and Holly’s typical cameos were absent.
This notable change didn’t go unnoticed, as one person tweeted: ‘Ooft cut them all from opening titles, ouch.
https://twitter.com/Crazier/status/1660571007344672770
‘They didn’t waste time changing the opening credits,’ another added.
Moments later, today’s hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary paid homage to Phil, with Alison calling him ‘one of the greatest.’
‘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,’ the Bake Off star began.
Dermot continued: ‘So, as a show, 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 this show such a success over the last 21 years.’
Following his revelation, Phil has been sighted in Cornwall, wandering along the shore with his 85-year-old mother Pat.
In one photo published by The Sun, he was seen clutching his mother’s hand as they strolled down a seaside path, the water in the background behind them.
As they basked in the sun and enjoyed one other’s company, the mother and son embraced and giggled.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.
