Findings of ITV probe into Phillip Schofield scandal ‘unlikely’ to be published this year

THE findings of an external ITV probe into This Morning’s Phillip Schofield scandal are “unlikely” to be published this year.

The shamed ex-host, 61, has been in contact with the barrister leading the investigation.

But insiders say the outcome will not be known for several more months.

ITV brought in Jane Mulcahy KC in May to look into how the channel handled Schofield’s “unwise, but not illegal” affair with a younger runner and his This Morning exit.

A source said: “He has fully co-operated with the investigation and communicated with the barrister.

“Bosses are keen to publish her findings so staff can put a difficult year behind them. However, if Jane finishes her review this side of Christmas, that would be very quick.”

ITV said Ms Mulcahy has said she expects it to be finished “later this year”.

The show has already seen an influx of new presenters being trialled, including Cat Deelet, 47, and Rylan Clark, 35, and has introduced a new executive Vivek Sharma hired to work as showrunner Martin Frizell’s deputy, arriving from Steph’s Packed Lunch on Channel 4, which has since been axed.

Holly Willoughby also quit the show after an alleged kidnap plot.