‘There’s some scores being settled’
The editor of This Morning has said “scores are being settled” when questioned about claims of a toxic work environment at the ITV flagship show.
Martin Frizell told Sky News to “read between the lines” of complaints from former stars, which followed Phillip Schofield’s resignation after he admitted to an affair with a younger male colleague.have
Mr Frizell, who has remained away from the cameras as scandals have enveloped his programme, said his team was suffering from the constant media scrutiny, and that many employees on the show are now fearful for their jobs.
“All I want to say is, I’m working with a fantastic team of mainly women, many mums, a lot of them concerned for their jobs, although I told them not to be.
“This is the 23rd day of being on the front pages, and it’s tiring. They worked all through Covid brilliantly, they’ve worked all through this putting a programme out, and I just think we need a bit of respite now.”
The show has faced weeks of criticism, including from some of its former on-air talent.
GB News presenter Eamonn Holmes, who presented This Morning until 2021, has rounded on both the show’s bosses and his former colleagues – accusing ITV of overlooking serious issues to keep its top talent happy.
Dr Ranj Singh, This Morning‘s former resident doctor, has also alleged he was “managed out” of the job after raising concerns about a “toxic” culture including “bullying and discrimination”. ITV says it investigated his claims and found no evidence of bullying or discrimination.
Mr Frizell rubbished concerns that the show has been accused of fostering a “toxic” culture, responding: “I think if you read between the lines, there’s some scores being settled.”
The TV executive was tight-lipped about the Phillip Schofield scandal, but indicated he would cooperate with a barrister-led review – after ITV chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall tasked Jane Mulcahy KC with reviewing records and talking to those involved.
He said: “We’re looking forward to speaking about the KC, she’s very learned, she’ll get to the bottom of the questions to be answered, I’m sure she’ll find those answers.”
Mr Frizell added it would be “prejudicial” to answer questions ahead of the review, adding; “There’s lots of time once it’s all over to go through who did what, when, why. I’d rather not just now.”