This Morning editor Martin Frizell has broken his silence on the Phillip Schofield affair, but refused to answer questions directly. When approached by GB News reporter Ben Leo, Frizell repeatedly referred to a statement made by ITV chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall, saying: 'She made a good statement and the case will go through all these things and you'll find out when it comes out, everything will be made public.'
The exchange occurred after Schofield admitted to lying about an affair with a younger male colleague. Frizell was asked how it was feasible that ITV staff did not know about the relationship when Schofield was on stage with them at the National Television Awards. Frizell replied: 'I can't hear you, Ben,' before reiterating his reliance on McCall's statement.
ITV has consistently denied any prior knowledge of the affair. A spokesperson previously stated that the network investigated rumours in early 2020, but both parties 'categorically and repeatedly denied the rumours.' The investigation found no evidence beyond 'hearsay and rumour.'
On Wednesday, ITV confirmed an external review into Schofield's departure. In a letter to Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer and others, Dame Carolyn McCall detailed the network's earlier investigation and noted that Schofield lied to senior management, fellow presenters, and his agency.
