This Morning legend hits out at ‘toxic’ claims engulfing show insisting ITV hit is made by ‘happy people’
THIS Morning stars have jumped to defend the show after it was plunged into chaos after Phillip Schofield’s affair came to light.
The popular ITV daytime programme has been branded “toxic” after Schofield’s bombshell exit last weekend.
Schofield, 61, stood down on Friday after he admitted to lying about cheating on his wife of 27 years with a teenage runner who worked on the show.
Jazzy-jumper-wearing Gyles Brandreth, spoke of his love for the show as he joined Dermot O’Learly and Alison Hammond on the sofa.
“We all know we happen to be in the news at the moment and of course we appreciate that, but just from both of us, the whole team here, the crew, the guys downstairs, we love making this show for all of you,” Dermot said, referencing the allegations of toxicity behind the scenes.
Alison agreed, also issuing a glowing report: “We really do and that’s exactly what we are going to do, we are going to continue to do that.”
“We are very happy to be here, can I say that as well?” Gyles, 75, questioned.
“This is a happy place to work, I enjoy coming in here and have done since I began coming in. We are happy people in a happy place,” the popular guest added.
Dr Ranj Singh, the show’s former resident doctor, said that he had raised concerns about “bullying and discrimination” when he worked there.
He said that he was “managed out” for whistleblowing.
Schofield has also spoken out in defence of the show: “This Morning is the best show to work on, with the best people.
“In all the years I worked there there was no toxicity,” he added.
Schofield, who is believed to be lying low in Cornwall close to where his mother Pat lives, issued an apology on Friday after admitting he had covered up the affair with the runner — who he first met when the lad was just 15.
He apologised for lying to his wife of 26 years, Stephanie, about the relationship and confirmed he had lied to ITV, his talent agency YMU and his colleagues.
ITV and YMU immediately cut all ties with Schofield. In a statement, ITV said: “Phillip made assurances to us which he now acknowledges were untrue and we feel badly let down.”
The Sun first told ITV of concerns about Schofield’s relationship with the staffer — who is over 30 years his junior — more than three years ago.
At the time, we told how there was an “open revolt” between ITV daytime staff and producers over the star’s closeness with the young man, who dreamed of being a television presenter.
They worked together on This Morning, where their relationship became romantic.
After it soured, the man was moved to the Loose Women show before eventually leaving ITV. After The Sun took the concerns of ITV staff to the broadcaster, it issued a statement dismissing the story.
It said: “It’s deeply disappointing and unfair for Phillip to be the target of this sort of malicious gossip. Phillip is a much respected broadcaster and colleague and this is absolutely not a description of This Morning that we recognise.”
Phillip’s co-host and former best friend Holly Willoughby issued a statement about how she was upset by being “lied to”.
Speaking of her partner of 14 years, she said: “It’s taken time to process yesterday’s news.
“When reports of this relationship first surfaced, I asked Phil directly if this was true and was told it was not.
“It’s been very hurtful to now find out that this was a lie.”
ITV has lost millions of pounds in advertising since the scandal was revealed, with guests also dropping out of the show.
This Morning’s main sponsor, car dealers Arnold Clark, announced they would not be renewing their mega-money deal.
The crisis has left the show’s staff fearing for their jobs if it is axed.
A source said: “Brands do not feel ITV is a safe bet at the moment.”
Show insiders said all traces of Schofield, 61, and his career were being torn down by order of editor Martin Frizell so it will be “like he never existed”.