Philip Schofield has slammed accusations of 'toxicity' at This Morning, and strenuously denied he is a bully, following his affair revelations.
The show’s former resident doctor, Dr Ranj Singh, hit out at a “toxic” culture at the flagship ITV daytime show, saying he raised concerns about “bullying and discrimination” two years ago when he worked there – and afterwards felt like he was “managed out” for whistleblowing.
Former This Morning presenter Eamon Holmes also told GB News this week that "the toxicity is you", referring to Phillip, and criticising his "controlling, coercive behaviour."
In a letter on Wednesday, ITV boss Dame Carolyn McCall said that an external review conducted following a complaint made by Dr Ranj found “no evidence of bullying or discrimination”.
And speaking in a major TV interview with BBC News, Phillip – who confessed to an affair with a much younger colleague – said: "I have never abused my power anywhere, I'm not a bully. You read the things you are supposed to be. I don't lord it over TV studios. Everyone is a friend."
He went on to detail the support he's received from some friends since the scandal broke, saying: "I've had texts from people I worked with saying 'Oh my God' I cant believe they are saying this we love working with you.'"
He owned up to once snapping at a producer on the show, but says he apologised, adding: "I'm not rude on the studio floor. I don't lord it around."
When he was asked why the accusations have surfaced, he responded: "Some people may be toxic, and see toxicity everywhere because that's the lens they are looking at the world."
This Morning was dogged by rumours of a "feud" between Philip and his former co-presenter and once-close pal, Holly Willoughby, and the pair put on a brave face and carried on presenting together, but there were calls for Phillip to quit.
Phillip's role as king of daytime TV came to an end on Friday last week when he resigned completely from ITV, and was subsequently dropped by his management of 35 years, YMU, as well as multiple brands that have wiped him from their advertising.
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