Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield stood awkwardly as a robot introduced their last show together.
The duo’s reign as the star couple of the ITV show ended today when Phil quit after 21 years.
The 61-year-old TV presenter quit after reports of a feud with his co-host and former best friend, saying the channel “has decided that the current situation cannot continue”.
In his last appearance on Thursday, May 18, the introductory segment was taken over by a robot – prompting Twitter users to question whether the machine was “Phil’s replacement”.
Holly and Phil present “This Morning” on Thursday, where they open the show by discussing Harry and Meghan
Thursday’s show opened with a short speech from the robot, in which it described This Morning as “Britain’s number one breakfast show”.
The light-hearted skit sparked a flurry of jokes from viewers on social media
The animatronic host, named Ameca, described This Morning as “Britain’s number one breakfast show”.
The light-hearted skit triggered a flood of jokes from viewers. One tweeted: “Phil’s replacement was announced at the start of the show – a robot!” You couldn’t make it up…’
A second wrote: “The robot would be preferable to the two presenting robotic humans, although all three are equally pre-programmable.”
Body language expert Judi James described the robot as a “welcome icebreaker” for the presenter duo.
“After their embarrassing moments with their body language this week, having Holly and Phil replaced with a robot this morning was the best joke,” she told Web on Thursday.
“It was incredibly evident that the robot’s surreal-realistic body language, alongside the tension on the desk next to it, was a masterpiece of measured, authentic, calm confidence.”
“The robot was an icebreaker for Holly and Phil, with Phil making a scared face and Holly even screaming and trying to climb over the desk to escape.”
“The robot even gave viewers a tie sign by tapping the side of its nose in a secret gesture.”
ITV bosses were furious to learn viewership had fallen by an almost unprecedented 20 per cent from 894,000 last week to 724,000 for Monday’s episode.
READ MORE: Phillip Schofield quits after 21 years this morning
Feud: Phillip’s dramatic departure from This Morning comes after reports he and Holly barely speak to each other off camera (Phillip pictured May 16, 2023)
But Tuesday’s viewership averaged 663,000, up from 622,730 for the same day last week. The peak viewership reached 742,000 and 743,000, respectively.
New embarrassment arose for Holly and Phil when the deputy prime minister used off-camera reports of their feud as fuel for an attack on Labor in the House of Commons.
Oliver Dowden, who represented Rishi Sunak at Prime Minister’s Question Time, described opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer and his deputy Angela Rayner as “the Phil and Holly of British politics”.
In support of his statement, Mr Dowden said: ‘On the surface, all love woes, they turn on the cameras, but once they’re off it’s a different story.’ They’re at each other’s throats.’ An ITV insider described the MP’s comments as “a shot of cheap”.
The embarrassing episode sparked another crisis meeting at the network, with a source saying, “Enough is enough.”
They added: “You know things get really serious when they come up in the House of Commons.”
“This isn’t just a little beef on Twitter anymore.”
“Those up there know they have to act – they just don’t know what to do.”
Another ITV insider described the situation between the two presenters as “a runaway train that can’t be stopped”.
Phil, 61, is standing his ground despite calls for his retirement as his appeal to viewers is waning.
Sources say it worries the ITV bosses as they are keen to keep Holly while they would be inclined to go with her co-star.
One told the Mail: “Phil doesn’t see why he should go.”
“It’s his job, he’s run the show for more than 20 years.”
The conflict began in September when the couple faced criticism after dodging the queue for the Queen’s funeral.
Oliver Dowden, standing in for Rishi Sunak at Prime Minister’s Question Time, described opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer and his deputy Angela Rayner as “the Phil and Holly of British politics”.
Analyzing Thursday’s episode, Ms James said Phil seemed “more relaxed” than on the previous two shows.
She told Web: “His pose consisted entirely of casual postures, from the tilted head and shoulders to the bent knee and asymmetrical smile, and his hands looked like they were hanging casually out of his pockets instead of being tucked into them.”
“By contrast, Holly’s pose was immediately attentive, with her upper body upright and her arms outstretched.
She appeared shocked by Phil’s sudden, playful “Tell me all about it!” accompanied by a dramatic turn of the head and arching of the brow as he rotated his neck 45 degrees to look back at her, staring wide-eyed.
Holly’s “I had a nice day yesterday” received another flattering comment from Phil, which seemed exaggerated enough to hint at a hint of sarcasm. “You looked amazing,” came chin up and eyes closed.”
Ms James noticed another change in the couple’s body language as Holly announced she was leaving for the palace earlier.
“Holly clasped her hands in a defensive gesture here, but her chin smile suggested self-pride, while Phil gave her a rather forced grin.
“It’s okay,” he said to the camera, the corners of his mouth turned down.
History: The presenter duo (pictured in November 2009) have worked together for more than a decade after Holly replaced Fern Britton as Phillip’s co-host in 2009
Support: Holly was also described as Phillips “rock” when he came out as gay live on This Morning in 2020
The body language expert said the duo’s behavior during a segment of the show about lawn care, which led to several lewd jokes, was particularly notable.
“As Holly bent down to watch the video clip from the garden, she elbowed Phil quite violently, as if she was either telling a joke or inviting him to take over her reflection,” she said.
“Did they engage in a push fight? If that’s the case, it could signal two options: either observing a little scuffle, or a moment of real shared and private fun between the couple.”
In a statement released on Saturday, Phil said: “I’ve always prided myself on covering fascinating stories on This Morning.” But recently, This Morning has become history itself.
“Throughout my career in television – including the very difficult last few days – I have always tried my best to be honorable and kind.
“I understand that ITV has decided the current situation cannot continue and I want to do what I can to protect the show I love.”
“As such, I have agreed to step down from This Morning, effective immediately, in the hope that the show can see a bright future.”
“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially the amazing viewers of This Morning – and see you at the Soap Awards next month.”
Phillip said: “I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect in the hope that the show can see a bright future.”
Holly shared her own statement, which read, “I want to take this opportunity to thank the film for all its knowledge, experience and humor.” The sofa won’t feel the same without him.
Holly Willoughby said: “It’s been over 13 great years hosting This Morning with Phil and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all his knowledge, experience and humor.” the sofa doesn’t feel like it anymore.’
Kevin Lygo, ITV’s chief executive officer for media and entertainment, said: “Phillip is undoubtedly one of the best broadcasters of his generation and we thank him for two decades of absolutely amazing TV shows on the This Morning sofa.”
“This Morning is produced by one of the finest and hardest working teams in television, producing over 12 hours of live television each week.”
“We look forward to continuing our relationship with Phillip, starting with the British Soap Awards in June and a brand new Peak Time series.”
Holly posted a separate statement on her Instagram account, which read: “Hi everyone… it’s been over 13 great years presenting This Morning with Phil and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for everyone to thank his knowledge, experience and humor.’ Without him, the sofa won’t feel the same anymore.’
Holly will return to This Morning on Monday 5th June after taking early semi-annual leave from Monday 22nd May.