Holly Willoughby explains ITV This Morning's rare change as viewers ask if show is off

Holly Willoughby kickstarted the latest episode of This Morning with an explanation after fans thought the show had 'gone'.

Thursday's edition of the popular ITV daytime show started at a slightly later time with Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield initially nowhere to be seen.

They did, however, do their usual teaser on Lorraine, telling the TV host that their show would air after the ITV News.

In a rare move, a breaking news bulletin from the ITV News aired directly after Lorraine as they update the public on the events unfolding in eastern Europe.

READ MORE: ITV Lorraine viewers 'switch off' over 'awkward link' minutes into show

When Holly and co-host Phillip Schofield eventually appeared, they gave a further update on the situation in Ukraine.

And this is when Holly, 41, explained that there would be more interruptions to the two and a half hour show.

"Now, as you might have noticed, there's a slightly different schedule on ITV this morning," she said.

"We'll be bringing you the latest on the situation in Ukraine via our colleagues at ITV News at both 11 o'clock and also at mid-day."

The explanation comes after This Morning viewers were left slightly confused.

@Itt39354118 asked: "Where's todays show #thismorning."

"News flash before #ThisMorning goes on air!" @cb_038 said.

@MrEvilSkeletor tweeted: "Have they taken #ThisMorning off?"

After confirming the changes to Thursday's This Morning, Phillip continued: "On with the show today though and here's what we've got to look forward to.

"We're looking to shine a light on the menapause today. Dr Louise is back and to tell us more about that."

"After we were inundated with questions the last time Dr Louise was here," Holly added.

"We are opening up our phone lines