This Morning was forced to end its live broadcast as the sad news was announced that Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, had passed away.
The 99-year-old passed away peacefully on the morning of April 9 at Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace said with a statement issued on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen.
Strict potocol in the event of the duke's death meant that the announcement was made to the Press Association and the BBC first.
As the news broke, Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford had to cut from an interview with Coronation Street Alan Halsall into live news coverage from the ITV news team.
"Alan, sorry, I'm going to have to interrupt you for some very, very important news," Eamonn said.
"We now viewers have to end This Morning and go straight to the ITV newsroom for more."
Eamonn's wife and co-host Ruth looked close to tears as the swift move was made on-air.
The screen immediately cut to ITV news where a broadcaster, Lucrezia Millarini, confirmed the new of the Duke of Edinburgh's passing.
"Good afternoon, we are breaking into programmes to bring you an announcement from the Royal household," Lucrezia began.
"In the last few moments, we have received the following significant statement."
She then went on to read the statement from Buckingham Palace.
Eamonn, 61, was praised for his handling of the situation by viewers.
"@EamonnHolmes can I just say how well handled that was by you on #ThisMorning, that must have been very hard well done," tweeted one.
Philip, 99, was the longest-serving consort in British history.
The duke and the Queen were married for more than 70 years and Philip dedicated decades of his life to royal duty, serving the nation at the monarch’s side.
He officially retired from public engagements in the summer of 2017.
The Palace said in a statement: "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
"His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.
"Further announcements will made in due course.
"The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."
