ITV publishes Phillip Schofield inquiry findings

ITV has published findings from its external inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Phillip Schofield’s departure from This Morning.

Schofield admitted to having an “unwise but not illegal” affair with a young male runner on the show earlier this year, prompting the broadcaster to hire lawyer Jane Mulcahy KC to conduct a review.

In their refusals to participate in the review, Schofield cited a risk to his health, while the runner identified only as ‘Person X’ said he wanted to move on. However, 48 other individuals did take part, including both senior and junior ITV staff as well as former staff, “on-screen personalities and those involved in managing on-screen talent.”

The purpose of the report was to examine whether ITV was aware of Schofield’s workplace relationship and how it handles complaints arising from This Morning. People who have worked on the programme, such as Eamonn Holmes and Dr Ranj Singh, have noted an unpleasant atmosphere.

The report clears ITV of covering up the affair, accepting they made “considerable efforts” to get to the bottom of it when rumours surfaced online.

“In the face of the denials of the individuals involved, ITV was unable to uncover the relevant evidence until Schofield’s admission in late May 2023.”

According to the lawyer, only one person she spoke with had “any knowledge of the affair” and they opted not to report it to management.

ITV was also criticised after it emerged the runner had been offered a job at the show after getting an internship through the presenter. According to Mulcahy’s report, Schofield provided Person X with some assistance initially, but he then “made his way on his own”.

It was found in the report that This Morning’s complaints procedure is “fit for purpose” and there is no evidence of a “toxic culture” on the show. However, ITV could do more to promote its ‘Speaking Up’ policy to junior colleagues who still fear a “detrimental impact on their careers” from speaking out.

Disgraced Phillip Schofield who had an affair with a much-younger colleague

ITV chair Andy Cosslett noted of the findings: 

“The KC review makes it clear that ITV’s management made considerable efforts to determine the truth about an alleged relationship between [Phillip Schofield] and Person X following media speculation. However, no concerns were reported and in the face of the denials of the individuals involved, ITV was unable to uncover the relevant evidence until [Schofield’s] admission in late May 2023.

“We are completely committed to creating an environment where everyone is treated with respect and feels able to give of their best.”

Schofield came out as gay on This Morning in February 2020, leading to his separation from Stephanie Lowe, with whom he has two daughters, while rumours of an affair with a runner surfaced online but didn’t gain traction once the Covid-19 pandemic hit.

In March of this year, his younger brother went on trial for sexual offences involving a child, with the presenter off-air during the events. Tabloids noted tension between Schofield and long-running co-host Holly Willoughby, who was said to be blindsided by the revelations about his brother.

After his brother was sentenced to 12 years in prison, Schofield confirmed he was stepping down from the show and rumours resurfaced about the affair. After finally admitting to the affair a week later, Schofield was dropped by his agent and ITV who had planned to keep working with him on other projects.