Lorraine's Dr Amir gives behind-the-scenes insight into ITV after 'toxic' claims

26 October 2023 , 08:00

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Lorraine's Dr Amir gives behind-the-scenes insight into ITV after 'toxic' claims

Dr Amir Khan has praised the top dogs at ITV following months of claims that it's a "toxic" work environment.

The network had been hit with criticism with some claiming that due to behaviour backstage, it was "toxic" to work. Most recently, This Morning came under fire due to alleged behaviour from former presenter Phillip Schofield who quit his job earlier this year. However, Dr Amir was keen to reveal that he believes claims of toxicity couldn't be further from the truth as bosses are more than accommodating to him and allow him to speak his mind.

Yorkshire-born Amir often appears on ITV's Lorraine and Good Morning Britain to share his expert health opinion as well as delivering facts for viewers. Aside from this, he often appears on GP's Behind Closed Doors from his practice in Bradford, treating thousands of patients each year.

But while appearing on TV, Dr Amir says he is in a much better position to discuss the current climate of the NHS, which in recent years had been left underfunded and seen thousands of jobs cut, than the politicians who often appear alongside him on the shows. In an exclusive interview with the Mirror in partnership with moobs – the UK's first male breast cancer organisation, Dr Amir said of ITV: "They're very good, they let me speak my mind whenever I want to and for the most part, it's health advice so it's facts. There are times when politics comes into play, particularly around the NHS, changes in the NHS and pressures on the NHS and I'm really open about how I feel.

Dr Amir Khan has teamed up with moobs – the first UK male breast cancer organisation (moobs / James Richards)

"I'm in a much better position to say what's actually happening and whether these changes are going to make a difference. Politicians, they don't know the job and they don't know what it's like to see patients, they don't really understand what patients are going through day to day and the struggle they face both in their own lives and also accessing health care.

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"I do feel that I'm in a much better position to advise on that and I think being a full-time working GP and not just a TV doctor makes a big difference to that and that's really important to me." Dr Amir says having his "boots on the ground" and seeing his patients on a regular basis gives him "a level of authenticity" when he appears on TV.

While many see Dr Amir on GP's Behind Closed Doors, he says "literally nothing" embarrasses him any more having spent time working in an emergency department. But he also believes that the show displays that patients don't often need to go to the doctors for things which can be treated at home.

The TV doctor explained that he's in a much better position to discuss the NHS on TV compared to politicians (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

In recent years, the UK has seen a surge in Brits travelling abroad for cosmetic surgery which Dr Amir says he has "no problem" with, so long as people carry out research beforehand. He said: "It is cheaper abroad as long as they do their homework before they go and make sure it's a reputable practice and surgeon and I've got no issues with that whatsoever." He added that the flip side is when patients require treatment after landing in the UK due to potential infections and complications – although he has no judgment for this as everybody is entitled to medical attention.

Dr Amir has teamed up with fellow television doctor Dr Zoe Williams, who often appears on ITV's This Morning, as the face of moobs after founder James Richards was diagnosed with stage three male breast cancer. Discussing the condition, Amir said: "It is aimed at women and making them aware of what's normal and spotting any abnormalities but at the end of anything about it, I'd say men can get it as well.

"55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year but around 400 men are also diagnosed. There's very little in the way of information for men, either about what to look for, or the fact that they can get breast cancer at all, but also when they are diagnosed, the support that's there and the information that's given to them is scarce."

James Richards was diagnosed with stage three male breast cancer and had no idea that men could have the condition (moobs / James Richards)

But while there is less knowledge of male breast cancer, Dr Amir says men often overlook a signal if they spot something as it's not "ingrained" into them. "The present much later and then the prognosis and the outcomes can be worse as a result," he said, before adding: "We just want men to know that they have got breast tissue, it's natural and we should be breast aware which is knowing what's normal for you. It's getting to know you're body, what's right for you, what's normal for you and any new persistent changes, get checked."

James Richards, the founder of Moobs added: "As a male, I've always been aware of the risks of prostate and testicular cancer, but I had no idea men were able to get breast cancer – you just don't hear of it. In the days following my diagnosis I was surprised by the lack of tailored support and information readily available around the disease and much of my treatment plan was based on what was offered to women. There are differences, but with so few cases and a lack of funding for male breast cancer, we are in danger of isolating those that need support the most."

For more information on moobs, please visit their website.

Daniel Bird