Alison Hammond breaks down in tears after watching Phillip Schofield interview on This Morning

Since Phillip Schofield’s sudden departure from ITV’s This Morning, Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary have stepped up as the show's primary presenters. On today’s show, Alison and Dermot watched a new BBC interview from their ex-colleague.

In the clip, Schofield addresses the controversy he is facing, admitting his affair with a younger colleague. He also claims he has “lost everything” since leaving the ITV breakfast show, and is battling suicidal thoughts as a result.

After watching the interview, Alison Hammond, 48, couldn’t help but feel upset by the situation. Flooded with tears, the Brummie presenter said: “I'm finding it really painful because obviously I loved Phillip Schofield and it's weird because I still love Philip Schofield, however, what he's done is wrong.

“As a family, we’re really struggling to process everything. I never know what to say.” The tearful presenter concluded by admitting: “I don't want to say anything bad, because obviously I'm in conflict."

Alison’s reaction to the interview has polarised viewers of This Morning on social media. Many fans empathise with the new Great British Bake Off presenter, whilst others feel she should not show sympathy for Schofield.

One Twitter user said: “Very powerful response from Alison Hammond - authentic and emotional. ITV should have allowed her to speak this freely earlier on.  #philipschofield #itv #ThisMorning”. Another defended Alison, and said: “Do not dare come for Alison Hammond! Do NOT! #ThisMorning”.

Meanwhile other This Morning viewers were less empathetic. One Twitter user said: “I wonder if Alison Hammond will be so sympathetic when she realises she’s paid a fraction of what Philip Schofield was.” Another added: “If any of your work colleagues were accused of grooming a teenage boy would you break down like Alison Hammond? The world of show business is truly a weird and wonderful place.”