Hundreds of thousands of people have been tuning in to ITV's This Morning following former host Philip Schofield's exit and affair scandal. Viewing figures skyrocketed to almost one million as regulars Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary filled in as presenters.
It comes as the popular daytime programme has made headlines recently due to reports of a rift between Holly Willoughby and Phil. The 61-year-old being has since left the show and has been dropped by ITV and his talent agency after confirming he had an affair with a much younger This Morning colleague - while still with his wife.
The last time Phil and Holly hosted the show prior to Phil's exit on May 20 was just a couple of days before on May 18. Holly has since been absent from This Morning - but it due to come back next Monday (June 5) following an extended half-term break.
READ MORE: Holly Willoughby WILL make This Morning return as she has 'nothing to hide'
Meanwhile, Alison and Dermot have been continuing on with their hosting duties, despite the chaos and media attention, to keep the show running as smoothly as possible ahead of Holly's return. But in her and Phil's absence, viewing figures are said to have soared, as reported by the Mirror.
On Monday (May 29), a whopping 797,000 are said to have tuned in to watch the show, with a peak of 996,000 viewers - close to one million. On the Monday prior (May 22), 703,000 watched the episode, with number hitting a peak of 918,000.
In comparison, it is said 644,000 people watched the show on May 18 - Phil's last episode. Alison and Dermot paid tribute to Phil following the announcement of his departure.
Opening up the show on May 22, Alison told viewers: "Now we can't start today's show without paying tribute to the man who has spent the last two decades sitting on this sofa – Phillip Schofield."
Dermot added: "Everyone on and off the screen at ITV and This Morning want to say a huge thank you to Phil for what he's done to make this show a success over the last 21 years." Alison continued: "Quite simply we all know he's one of the best live television broadcasters this country has ever had and we, and all the team, wish him all the best for the future."
Earlier this week, Dermot said: "We know we have been in the news at the moment. But just from both of us and the whole team here, the crew, the guys downstairs, we love making this show for all of you."
Alison added: "We really do and that's exactly what we're gonna do - we're continuing to do that." Monday's episode came amid speculation the programme might not air due to Phillip admitting to having an affair with a younger colleague over the weekend.
The veteran TV presenter, 61, resigned from the broadcaster on Friday and was dropped by his talent agency after confessing to having an “unwise, but not illegal” relationship with a young male who worked on the programme while he was still married to his wife.
Holly is due to be back in the studio on June 5. Although it is not yet known who her co-presenter will be.
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