Piers Morgan has called out workers within the TV business, stating the industry is “infested by a pack of savages” following Phillip Schofield’s departure from This Morning.
Phillip quit the daytime programme on Saturday with immediate effect, with rumours that the end of his long-standing friendship with Holly Willoughby was to blame.
Yesterday morning’s show, hosted by stand-in presenters Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond, honoured the former presenter’s 20-year-plus stint on the programme with a 30-second segment, with many deeming the tribute ‘awkward’ and ‘cold’.
It was claimed the decision to gloss over Phillip’s departure was a deliberate one planned by The Mornings’ bosses, who were hoping to move on from the issue.
However, TalkTV host Piers Morgan slammed staff within the industry, condemning bosses for the way they treat ‘talent’ after the handling of 61-year-old Phillip's departure.
Speaking on Times Radio, he said: “Anyone who thinks daytime telly is full of smiley, nicey, happy clappy people; I think they are beginning to realise it is infested by a pack of savages.
“There is nothing more ruthless than the way talent, as we so laughably get called in TV, get treated when the plug gets pulled.”
According to The Sun, a TV insider said: “A tribute to Phillip had to be done, it was unavoidable. The sensible thing to do was nip everything in the bud and just get on with the show, as there is a huge desire to return to normal.”
On the show, Dermot provided the voiceover for the 30-second monologue, stating that everyone “on and off screen at ITV wants to say a huge thank you to Phil for what he’s done to make the show such a success over the last 21 years”.
Alison continued: “We all know he’s one of the best live television broadcasters this country has ever had. We wish him all the best for the future.” They then moved on swiftly to that day’s running order.
Piers, who left ITV show Good Morning Britain in 2021, said he felt “sympathy” for Phillip Schofield, arguing that he deserved a better send-off for his long-running stint on the show, despite whatever had occurred behind the scenes.
He said: “But then, I thought I was too at Good Morning Britain for breaking all the ratings records and making the show the most talked-about show in the country — but that’s showbiz. And showbiz is a shallow pool of shark-infested waters.”
