Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary acknowledged Phillip Schofield during Monday’s instalment (Picture: REX)

Phillip Schofield’s This Morning tribute was lacking ‘the usual cheese and teary-eyes,’ claims a body language expert.

On Saturday, the 61-year-old presenter announced he was stepping down from hosting the ITV daytime show with ‘immediate effect’ after more than 20 years of service.

News of Phil’s departure followed reports of a ‘feud’ between himself and his co-star Holly Willoughby, 41, with reports claiming they barely spoke behind the scenes.

It also came after his brother, Timothy Schofield, was sentenced to 12 years in jail on Friday after being convicted of child sex offences.

Today’s instalment saw Friday hosts Alison Hammond, 48, and Dermot O’Leary, 49, kick off with a message dedicated to their former colleague.

‘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,’ Alison began.

Co-host 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.’

Viewers had mixed feelings about the tribute with many claiming the tribute made out the Dancing on Ice presenter had died.

After body language expert and author Judi James took aim at Monday’s ‘bizarre’ intro, she claimed Alison and Dermot were put in a tough situation.

‘It was a difficult call for Alison and Dermot who are both known and loved for their more natural and honest approach to presenting,’ she told us.

‘Dermot opted for a lip clamp or pursed, sucked-in lips of regret, while Alison raised her eyebrows and kept an unsmiling facial expression as she delivered her message about Phil with mild awkwardness but without all the usual cheese and teary-eyes other presenters can perform on the show.

‘They picked up the pace when they had to, and they deserve praise for their delivery of a very tricky moment for live breakfast TV.’

In a statement, Phil confirmed ‘I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.

‘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.’

He has since been spotted in Cornwall seeking solace with his 85-year-old mother Pat, strolling along the seaside.

Holly said in her own statement: ‘It’s been over 13 great years presenting This Morning with Phil and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all of his knowledge, his experience and his humour. The sofa won’t feel the same without him.’