Phillip Schofield: This Morning editor says ‘scores are being settled’ as he asks for ‘respite’

This Morning boss Martin Frizell mentioned “scores are being settled” when requested about claims of a poisonous tradition on the ITV present.

Phillip Schofield resigned from ITV final week and was dropped by his expertise company, YMU, after admitting having an “unwise, but not illegal” relationship with a person who he labored with on This Morning.

Schofield’s affair happened whereas the tv star was nonetheless married to spouse Stephanie Lowe, and earlier than he got here out publicly as homosexual in 2020.

He had denied having a relationship with a colleague when questioned by ITV about rumours in early 2020.

When requested about allegations of a poisonous tradition at This Morning by Sky News, Mr Frizell mentioned: “To read between the lines, I think there’s some scores being settled.”

Dr Ranj Singh, who used to work on This Morning, claimed there had been a “toxic culture” on the present, including when he introduced up his considerations, he was “managed out”.

Mr Frizell additionally advised Sky News he’s not involved about what the external review of the saga might reveal, saying: “We’re wanting ahead to chatting with the KC – she’s very, very discovered.

“She’ll get to the bottom [of it]. If there are questions to be answered, I’m sure she will find those answers.

He also praised his staff, adding: “All I simply wish to say is… I’m working with a incredible workforce of primarily girls, many mums, all of them involved for his or her job.

“But this the 23rd day now of being on the front page, and it’s tiring. They worked all through COVID brilliantly, they’re all going through this, putting a programme up two-and-a-half hours a day, and I just think we just need a bit of respite now.”

Read extra:
Phillip Schofield: Timeline of ITV departure
ITV boss called to answer questions on safeguarding
Key extracts from ITV chief executive’s letter

Mr Frizell’s feedback come after a tumultuous week for ITV, which culminated with Schofield giving tabloid and BBC interviews, in an effort to clear his identify.

Speaking to the BBC’s Amol Rajan, he mentioned his profession was over, and “I have to talk about television in the past tense, which breaks my heart… I have lost everything”.

In an interview with The Sun, he mentioned he felt “utterly broken and ashamed” however insisted he “did not” groom the person, as he advised the paper he’ll “die sorry” and mentioned his “greatest apology” over the fallout from the affair was to his former lover.

He additionally likened his scenario to that confronted by Caroline Flack earlier than her loss of life in 2020.

Speaking to the BBC’s Newsnight programme, Flack’s mom, Christine, mentioned ITV “haven’t learned anything” for the reason that loss of life of her daughter.

She added she believed Schofield and his former lover have been going by means of an “awful time”, and requested them to not do “anything silly”.

Ms Flack mentioned Schofield “knew Caroline” and when she died, “he was very upset”.

“I think he’s now realising even more what she went through. But until it happens to you, you feel sad, but you don’t understand.”

Holly Willoughby is anticipated to return to the This Morning couch on Monday, after taking a half-term break.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can name Samaritans for assistance on 116 123 or e-mail jo@samaritans.org within the UK. In the US, name the Samaritans department in your space or 1 (800) 273-TALK.