This Morning star addresses backstage tensions after Phillip Schofield’s exit

Royal correspondent Camilla Tominey has detailed the “muted” mood which has been looming backstage since Phillip Schofield’s departure.

Camilla joined replacements Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary on Monday morning’s episode and explained how the studio was feeling.

Phillip presented This Morning for over 20 years, alongside Holly Willoughby for 13 with the pair striking up a close bond.

However, for weeks there had been speculation that the pair were “barely speaking” off camera and their friendship had been affected.

Writing a column for the Daily Telegraph, Camilla wrote: “Monday morning’s atmosphere was understandably muted.

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“While we have grown used to the hugely likeable Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary standing in for Phil and Holly, who is now on half-term holiday until June 5, the finality of Schofield’s departure was impossible to ignore with a farewell at the beginning of the programme.

“Alison was clearly quite nervous as the task fell upon her comparatively inexperienced shoulders to pay tribute to her former co-star.”

At the beginning of the episode on Monday, Alison and Dermot paid a small tribute to Phillip which left some viewers confused.

Noting the small tribute, Camilla added: “Viewers could perhaps be forgiven for wondering why there wasn’t an Ant and Dec-style montage of his best bits, but this is television

“Twenty-one years on a show summarised in 35 seconds before moving on to the next feature. It’s brutal, but that’s the way it works because it’s the only way it can work: the viewers must always come first.”

Since Phillip’s departure statement, Holly has taken an extended half-term break and will return to screens on June 5.

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.

“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.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month

An ITV spokesperson said: “Phillip is hands down one of the best broadcasters of his generation and we thank him for his two decades worth of absolutely terrific television on the This Morning sofa.

“We look forward to continuing our relationship with Phillip starting with The British Soap Awards in June and a brand new peak time series to come.”

This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV.