ITV presenters Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary paid tribute to Philip Schofield on today’s edition of This Morning, the first episode of the show broadcast since the former presenter stepped down from his role co-hosting the hit breakfast show. Schofield departs This Morning after a decorated 22 year run, having won countless television and presenting awards and interviewed a string of high profile figures.

Opening Monday’s show in a sombre tone, Hammond described Schofield as “one of the best live television broadcasters this country has ever had”.

O’Leary 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.”

Hammond and O’Leary normally present the Friday edition of the show, but seem to have been called in to give Willoughby some space and privacy, in the aftermath of her colleague and former best friend’s departure from the This Morning sofa.

Media reports in the past few weeks have highlighted a growing rift in the relationship between Schofield and former co-presenter Hollie Willoughby, Schofield’s partner on This Morning since 2009. Cracks in the presenter’s relationship begun to emerge in the aftermath of Queen Elizabeth’s death, when the pair were accused of jumping the 16km queue to see the Queen lying in state. Schofield also reportedly angered ITV bosses and Willoughby herself by failing to inform them all of his brothers trial for sex crimes, leading to confusion and embarrassment at This Morning.

It’s unclear at this point what will come next for Schofield, who is still scheduled to host the National Soap Awards next month, and is apparently scheduled to host an upcoming primetime show on ITV.

Also in flux are the occupants of the This Morning couch, as ITV bosses work to select a new partner for Holly Willoughby, who is apparently staying in place. Hammond, O’Leary and Rylan Clark have all been floated as potential regular presenters.