Phillip Schofield Dedicates TV Choice Award To The Late Denise Robertson

Last night’s TV Choice Awards was as glitzy an affair as ever, but the This Morning team had one very special person on their minds as they won the award for Best Daytime Show.

Taking to the stage, host Phillip Schofield dedicated the accolade to the show’s late agony aunt Denise Robertson, who sadly passed away in March following a battle with pancreatic cancer, aged 83.

Speaking at the swanky ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel, Phil shared: “I want to dedicate this this year to Denise Robertson.

"This was actually one of her favourite nights out so she would have loved this.

"Obviously it was our first morning back today after the seven-week summer holidays, but there was no reason why we couldn’t get piccalilli on that dress and drink some tequilas for Denise.”

Both Phillip and his co-host Holly Willoughby were left devastated by Denise’s death, with Holly paying poignant tribute to the star when the sad news broke.

She said at the time: “I found out [about Denise’s death] yesterday. She was a huge part of the family, when I joined This Morning she welcomed me with open arms.

"Whatever she did on screen was the tip of the iceberg really as she continued to help people and do so much behind the scenes that nobody saw.

"She was a fighter for everybody. There was nothing that she wouldn’t do.

"It’s just so sad, as soon as we heard the news you hope and you wish that she’s going to be alright but in the back of your mind you’re very worried, very scared.

"It never ever prepares you for a loss like this.”