Presenters Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond appeared to address claims of ‘toxicity’ at ITV’s This Morning following Phillip Schofield’s resignation from the show last week.
As Monday’s episode started, Dermot said: “We all know we happen to be in the news at the moment and of course we appreciate that but just from both of us, the whole team here, the crew, the guys downstairs, we love making this show for all of you.”
Co-host Alison Hammond added: “We really do and that’s exactly what we are going to do, we are going to continue to do that.” Gyles Brandreth, who is in the studio to review the news stories of the day, said: “We are very happy to be here, can I say that as well?
READ MORE: Phillip Schofield releases new statement and hits back at 'toxic' claims
“This is a happy place to work, I enjoy coming in here and have done since I began coming in. We are happy people in a happy place.”
The presenters then continued with the show and went on to discuss today’s news stories, although there was no further mention of media coverage of This Morning. Viewers took to Twitter to comment on the awkward situation, with many describing it as the “elephant in the room”.
@ciarale01 wrote: "Dermot and Alison just addressed the elephant in the room! #awks" while @IndeedItsMark added: "Fair play to Dermot and Alison, that the elephant in the room is mentioned at the top of the news review - as the show is featured across 5 ‘red tops’ today Convincing and enough? You’re the judge."
Schofield, 61, resigned from the broadcaster on Friday and was dropped by his talent agency after admitting to an “unwise, but not illegal” affair. On Sunday night former This Morning star Dr Ranj Singh hit out at the show’s “toxic” culture in a statement on Sunday night.
He said on Twitter: “I was on the show for 10 years and I genuinely loved and valued working there. However, over time, I grew increasingly worried about how things were behind-the-scenes and how people, including myself, were being treated.
“I didn’t know the truth about what was going on with Phillip, but I do know the issues with TM (This Morning) go far beyond him. It takes more than one person to create a culture.”
Dr Ranj said he raised his concerns with senior executives at ITV as he had been heavily involved in “diversity, anti-bullying and mental health projects” across the channel. An ITV spokesperson said: “We are sorry to read Dr Ranj’s post today.
“At ITV we are fully committed to providing every opportunity for anyone who works with us to raise any concern or comments they may have. Following a complaint made by Dr Ranj, we appointed an external and independent advisor to carry out a review. This external review found no evidence of bullying or discrimination.”
Earlier this morning Schofield posted a statement on Instagram addressing “toxicity” on the show. He wrote: “Now I no longer work on @thismorning I am free to say this. I hope you have noticed that it’s the same handful of people with a grudge against me or the show who seem to have the loudest voice.
“This morning IS the best show to work on, with the best people. In all the years I worked there there was no toxicity. You can listen to those persistently loud voices if you like. But the thousands of guests over the years, thousands of staff and crew, hundreds of presenters and contributors all know, it IS a family of wonderful, talented, kind and hardworking people.”
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