Alison and Dermot pay tribute to Phillip Schofield on This Morning

The tribute lasted just 35 seconds

“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,” Hammond said.

“As a show, everyone on an off-screen at ITV and This Morning want to say a huge thank you to Phil for everything he has done over the last 21 years,” Dermot added.

Alison went on to label him "quite simply one of the best live television broadcasters this country has ever had" and added that "we and all the team [at This Morning] wish him all the best for the future."

Dermot then explained that Holly Willoughby would be "taking a break over half term" and will be back in the This Morning studio on Monday June 5.

TV critics and broadcaster Scott Bryan pointed out that the tribute to Schofield lasted "just 35 seconds."

Some fans couldn't help but notice how awkward it was for a presenter who fronted the show for more than two decades to get such a short tribute.

One fan tweeted: "That was an awful goodbye segment #thismorning," and another said: "So after 20 years all Scofe gets is a 2 minute tribute at the beginning not at all awkward #ThisMorning."

"#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 added.

A third wrote: "Christ, Dermot looks like he's announcing that someone died talking about Schofield leaving #ThisMorning. The only thing that has died Dermot is Phillip Schofield's career and ITV's integrity."

In a statement on Saturday, Schofield wrote that he was quitting to “protect the show” which had become the focus of media reports due to his deteriorating relationship with co-presenter, Holly Willoughby.

On Saturday, Schofield said he was leaving with “immediate effect” from the show he joined in 2002, as ITV had decided “the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love”.

Reports on Monday said he had been left "completely broken" by his departure, and had been given six months' wages as a parting gift.

Related links:

Phillip Schofield tipped for £1.5m switch to ITV rival

Amanda Holden takes swipe at Phillip Schofield following This Morning departure

Piers Morgan tipped to replace Holly and Phil on This Morning