This Morning's Holly and Phillip explain why This Morning is still on air despite other shows stopping production

Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield have told viewers why they are continuing to appear on This Morning despite the lockdown in the UK.

The popular duo have continued to host the ITV show, despite the likes of Lorraine and Loose Women being taken off air for the foreseeable.

The network announced last week that as a result of the latest government advice only Good Morning Britain and This Morning would continue to air.

And now Holly and Phil have addressed their continued appearance themselves.

Holly and Phil explained to viewers why they were still presenting (ITV)

At the start of Tuesday’s show, Holly, said: "Right, let's start off by explaining, probably actually for the first time ever, why we are here today."

Phil then continued: "The government has classed us as an essential service for the time being to bring you the latest news on the virus.

"To answer your concerns with our doctors, to offer useful advice and to hopefully lighten the load as only This Morning knows how."

Holly then went on to explain that they are running with a ‘skeleton staff’ from now on and all their regular behind-the-scenes services have been cut back to an "absolute minimum".

Holly said they were 'there for' their viewers (ITV)

The 39-year-old then added: "Most importantly, we want you to know that we are here for you.

"We know that it is a really worrying time, but we want to answer your questions and take your calls and ultimately put your minds at rest."

A spokesman for ITV Daytime said last week: "ITV Daytime has taken the decision to stop broadcasting Lorraine and Loose Women live from Monday 23rd March.

"This decision has been made to minimise the number of staff travelling in and out of our studios and working together on shift at any one time."

Phillip explained how that they have been classed as an 'essential service' (ITV)

They added: "We're focusing our efforts on providing to viewers the latest news on the rapidly changing situation which aims to offer some stability and continuity in all our lives whilst so many of us are at home right now.

"That’s why we have taken this tough decision to protect our GMB News programme in the morning and keep This Morning on air for as long as possible."

Production on ITV's flagship soaps Emmerdale and Coronation Street has also been paused with episodes set be cut down from next week so that they can air for as long as possible.