ITV's This Morning addressed allegations of a toxic work environment during Monday's broadcast, the first since Phillip Schofield's affair was revealed. Host Dermot O'Leary said the team loves making the show, while guest Gyles Brandreth described it as a 'happy place'.
Schofield, who quit ITV on Friday after admitting an affair with a younger male colleague, posted on Instagram denying any toxicity during his tenure. He claimed the criticism came from a 'handful of people with a grudge'. Former presenter Eamonn Holmes called the statement 'delusional'.
Dr Ranj Singh, who worked on This Morning for a decade, criticised the toxic culture, saying issues 'go far beyond' Schofield. ITV responded that an external review after his complaint found no evidence of bullying or discrimination.
ITV also said it investigated rumours of Schofield's affair in 2020 but found no evidence beyond hearsay. Schofield's lawyers confirmed the pair met when the colleague was 15, but stressed no sexual relationship occurred until after he started at This Morning.
Holly Willoughby, who remains on an extended break, said she was 'very hurt' to discover Schofield had lied to her about the relationship.
