Phillip Schofield celebrates 20 years on This Morning with heartwarming tribute

This Morning paid a sweet tribute to Phillip Schofield as the long-standing host celebrated his 20th anniversary on the popular show on Tuesday (September 6).

The presenter joined the well-loved ITV series back in 2002, when he replaced John Leslie to host alongside Fern Britton.

Over the past 13 years, Schofield has been at the show’s helm with co-host and pal Holly Willoughby, who have become firm favourites among viewers for their mischievous behaviour on-air.

Marking his incredible career feat, Willoughby, 41, announced on Tuesday’s This Morning that it had been exactly 20 years to the day that the 60-year-old had officially started on the show.

The Wylde Moon founder began: “Well, we couldn’t start today’s show without mentioning something very special. It really is a huge achievement, I have to say.”

Schofield admitted he didn’t remember his career achievement until it was flagged by producers during their post-show meeting on Monday (September 5).

“It has gone like that,” he replied, while snapping his fingers. The pair then cut away to a short clip that showed several moments from his first day on This Morning.

After watching the footage, a shocked Schofield said: “Oh my God. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that.”

Willoughby added that it was “weird” seeing her pal as “the new boy” in the montage and shared: “It’s so weird as it feels like you’ve been here forever.”

Speaking about his first episode, the presenter admitted he was “so nervy” and paid tribute to his former co-host.

He shared: “Fern [Britton] was so lovely looking after me.”

Reflecting on his long-running stint on the beloved series, Schofield joked: “I haven’t heard anything about the audition, so that’s why I keep rocking up. No-one’s ever told me I actually got the job.”

And he shared his gratitude for the opportunity: “I’ll never forget how lucky I am, so thank you very much.”

This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV.