Phillip Schofield blasts Eamonn Holmes and Dr Ranj for 'toxic bully' claims

02 June 2023 , 06:59

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Phillip Schofield blasts Eamonn Holmes and Dr Ranj for 'toxic bully' claims

Phillip Schofield has slammed criticism from a slew of former This Morning stars who claimed he abused power at the daytime show and 'lorded' over a culture of bullying and toxicity that he helped create.

In the past week the likes of Eamonn Holmes and Dr Ranj Singh have spoken out to condemn Schofield's position at ITV's flagship daytime show after the host of 20 years stepped down after confessing to an affair with a younger runner.

It has also been revealed that a panellist on Loose Women made a formal complained about Schofield, with Carol McGiffin saying last night that 'nobody' on the sister show was a fan of his.

Responding to the allegations in a new interview with BBC News, Schofield denied he is a bully.

He also denied claims that he was 'untouchable' and moved his former lover to Loose Women in a bid to 'cover up' their affair when it ended.

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"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.

"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.'

"I snapped once at one of producers around the time I came out and after the meeting I went and apologised. It's not me I don't do that. I'm not rude on the studio floor. I don't lord it around."

Addressing criticism from his former co-stars, Schofield said: "Some people may be toxic, and see toxicity everywhere because that's the lens they are looking at the world."

Last week Dr Ranj Singh, who was a regular contributor on the show, said he made a complaint about the toxicity at This Morning to the head of ITV during his time there.

The doctor said he decided to quit the show after feeling working there did not agree with his morals.

Addressing the criticism, Phillip said: "There is no toxicity, there is no bullying, there is no discrimination at This Morning."

Journalist Amol Rajan then put to him: "If there is no toxicity why would Dr Ranj make a formal complaint at the highest levels of ITV about some individuals behaviour and as he described it 'the environment' at This Morning? Why would former staffers be contacting Eamonn Holmes to say that they signed non-disclosure agreements to 'cover up the bullying and power abuse.'"

"I am unaware of any of that," replied Phillip. "All I see is angry people shouting about a show they aren't on any more."

Phillip said it was 'untrue' that he and Holly were 'untouchable' and denied a cover-up at ITV over his affair.

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"The show that I love and the show that I have left I have never seen [any toxicity] from my position or heard it."

Lucy Needham