THIS Morning viewers were left cringing following an "awkward" interview with actor James Van Der Beek on Thursday.

The former Dawson's Creek star appeared on This Morning to talk about his latest TV programme but hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby started things off with a look back at the hit 90s show which made him famous.

12 James Van Der Beek appeared on Thursday's This Morning Credit: ITV

After showing a clip, they revealed Katie Holmes was now a "leading Hollywood actress", Michelle Williams had "received four Oscar nominations since leaving Dawson's Creek" and Joshua Jackson stars in "Golden Globe winning drama The Affair".

Phillip then said: "But what happened to the main man himself? Mr James Van Der Beek, well he's here now".

As screen split to a picture of James on Dawson's Creek and in the studio, the 40-year-old said: "I have been on television the last 20 years, just wanted to let you know."

12 The star didn't seem impressed by all the Dawson's Creek flashbacks at the beginning Credit: ITV

As Holly and Phil laughed a little nervously, Phil said: "We know that but it made a better link."

Phil then started to ask James about the show, and wondered if he could have imagined he would still be talking about it almost 20 years on from its 1998 debut.

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James replied: "No.... no, it's er...it's.... you know....no.

"I would not imagine I would be sitting in front of a picture from 20 years ago."

12 Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield laughed nervously at points Credit: ITV

The actor was then asked about why he had never watched the series in full.

He replied: "At a certain point it just became easier to do it and then just let it go after that."

12 James said he didn't think he would still be talking about the show 20 years on Credit: ITV

When Phil asked if it was something he would "like to let go forever", James insisted it wasn't.

He added: "No it changed my life, it was a huge opportunity, are you kidding me?

12 This Morning showed a clip from the 90s programme before introducing James Credit: ITV

"I learned how to be on camera, how to deal with celebrity, all kinds of things, it was a huge break."

But despite his words, viewers were unimpressed by the vibe of the interview.

12 The interview was billed as awkward by lots of viewers Credit: Twitter

12 One viewer questioned how Holly and Phil had managed to stay upbeat Credit: Twitter

One wrote on Twitter: "How arrogant was @vanderjames on @thismorning. Came across so bitter he hadn't done as well as others off @dawsonscreek. So rude!"

Another added: "Very awkward interview. How @hollywills and @Schofe remain so upbeat when dealing with his rudeness. I need tips".

12 James said he didn't want to forget the show that made him famous Credit: ITV

12 Fans wondered why James seemed reluctant to talk about Dawson's Creek Credit: Twitter

A third agreed, writing: "James Van Der Beek was definitely NOT impressed with the #DawsonsCreek flashback on #ThisMorning. Hopes dashed for a reunion."

One viewer said: "@vanderjames very awkward interview, its like he wants to dismiss what made him into a huge star today. He had bad vibes too!"

12 James was branded 'rude' by one viewer Credit: Twitter

12 However some felt the link into the interview was awkward towards James Credit: Twitter

12 Others were distracted by how handsome James looked Credit: Twitter

However some fans defended the actor, claiming the VT leading into the interview was "awkward".

One wrote: "Soooort of have to agree with @vanderjames on that one Holly and Phil, slightly awkward link @thismorning".

Others couldn't help but gush over how handsome James was on the show with one smitten viewer writing: "@vanderjames has never looked better, what a babe!"

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