Holly Willoughby, Alison Hammond & Dermot O’Leary dragged into Phillip Schofield scandal and will be quizzed in probe
THIS Morning’s Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary are to be quizzed along with Holly Willoughby and the rest of the show’s presenting roster about Phillip Schofield.
Other stars who have worked on the ITV show — including Eamonn Holmes, Ruth Langsford and Dr Ranj Singh — will also be called to give statements to an independent barrister.
ITV boss Dame Carolyn McCall yesterday revealed that the lawyer had been instructed to review the facts after Phil, 61, admitted lying to cover up an affair with a much younger male colleague.
The move came after the broadcaster was forced to deny it had made mistakes in an internal review in 2020 into the ex-host’s relationship.
A source said: “Holly, Alison and Ruth — who is still close with the young man — will all be quizzed, as well as others who worked on This Morning or Loose Women during the time of Phil’s affair.
“No matter how big the celebrity, they will be asked to speak and provide evidence.
“Eamonn Holmes, who has been very vocal, will also be asked to provide evidence.
“No stone will be left unturned.”
In a letter released last night, Dame Carolyn said ITV had been supporting the young man.
She wrote: “The ITV employee was aged 19 when he first did work experience at This Morning in 2015 and 20 years old when he applied and succeeded in securing a job as a runner on the show.
“He subsequently applied for and was successful in securing a promotion to Loose Women in 2019. He left ITV in 2021.
“As you would imagine given the social media scrutiny of him, we have offered him our support throughout this period and indeed are still doing so.
“The employee has made it clear that he does not wish to be named or identified in connection with this matter. We would be grateful if you would be mindful of this.”
She continued: “The relationships we have with those we work with are based on trust.
“Phillip made assurances to us and his agency which he now acknowledges were untrue and we feel badly let down.
“We consider our approach was reasonable and proportionate at the time and in the circumstances.
“We believe that we did not have any grounds to mount any other sort of investigation.”
The Sun told how Schofield left ITV on Friday and was axed by talent agency YMU after admitting to an “unwise but not illegal” affair.
A source said: “Those who have long called for action are pleased ITV are finally taking this seriously.
“People have been raising concerns about Phil’s conduct with this young man for a number of years. Some have claimed they were ignored. To have a proper independent probe is a real victory.
“This is a real turning point for ITV and many hope this probe will help answer questions and that anyone who was complicit will be held to account.”
In the letter — which was sent to the Culture Secretary — Dame Carolyn referenced Dr Ranj Singh’s statement of a toxic culture at This Morning.
Schofield — who recently left the show following a rift with co-star Holly, 42 — hit back at the claims.
Dame Carolyn has now said: “We were sorry to read his statement.”
But she said a probe they had launched found no wrongdoing.
Her letter continued: “We are fully committed to providing every opportunity for anyone who works with us to raise any concern or comments they may have.
“Following a complaint made by Dr Ranj, we appointed an external and independent adviser to carry out a review. This external review found no evidence of bullying or discrimination.
“I want to reassure you that as a producer and broadcaster, ITV takes its responsibilities around duty of care and speaking up seriously and has robust and well-established processes in place which allow anyone who works with us to raise concerns they may have anonymously.
“The confidential reporting number and other ways of raising concerns are promoted via a number of channels, which includes ITV’s internal staff website, across ITV buildings and how to speak up is part of ITV’s code of ethics & conduct annual mandatory training for all staff.”
Jane Mulcahy KC will begin her probe in the coming days.
Once the report has been put together, ITV will review the results and take action accordingly.
Dame Carolyn continued: “She (Ms Mulcahy) will review our records and talk to people involved. This work will also consider our relevant processes and policies and whether we need to change or strengthen any.
“Given Phillip’s admission of the extent of his deception, the work will extend to cover any related issues that may emerge.
“This work will be carried out as quickly as possible and we will be happy to share the outcome.”