Phillip Schofield: ITV made 'considerable efforts' to find out truth - review

ITV underwent exhaustive efforts to ascertain the truth surrounding rumors of Phillip Schofield’s alleged relationship with a colleague in 2019, as revealed in a recent review. However, despite considerable attempts, the network was unable to uncover the facts until Schofield himself admitted to the affair in 2023. This revelation led to his departure from ITV, as he had previously confessed to lying about the relationship.

The network subsequently enlisted the services of barrister Jane Mulcahy KC to conduct a comprehensive review into its handling of the entire situation. Notably, neither Schofield nor the colleague in question actively participated in the review. Schofield cited potential risks to his health as the reason for his reluctance to engage, and he has openly discussed the toll the controversy took on his mental health, revealing in a June interview with that he had felt suicidal at the time.

The report underscored ITV’s significant efforts to uncover the truth following the publication of a story in The Sun newspaper in December 2019. Despite persistent denials from the individuals involved, ITV faced challenges in obtaining relevant evidence until Schofield’s admission in May 2023.

Additionally, the review put forth recommendations for ITV to establish clear guidelines for its talent, ensuring that appropriate behavior is observed, even by those who are household names. It stressed the importance of junior employees feeling confident enough to raise concerns, aligning with ITV’s Speaking Up policy.

Notably, ITV had previously stated that it had investigated rumors of the relationship in 2020, with both parties consistently denying the allegations. Schofield, aged 61, also faced professional consequences as he was dropped by his talent agency YMU after admitting to an “unwise but not illegal” affair.

In response to the review, ITV expressed its welcome, emphasizing that the barrister found no evidence of a “toxic culture” within the network. Schofield’s departure from his role on This Morning in May had been accompanied by reports of a rift with co-star Holly Willoughby. Subsequently, the show was further embroiled in scandal when Schofield confirmed his past relationship with a younger male employee, which had occurred while he was still married to his wife Stephanie Lowe.

Acknowledging the fallout from the controversy, Schofield apologized for lying to his colleagues, the media, and his friends and family. He left ITV with immediate effect. Later in October, Holly Willoughby announced her decision to quit This Morning after 14 years, citing personal reasons for the departure. Her absence from the show earlier that month was linked to an alleged plot to kidnap her, resulting in a man being charged with soliciting to commit murder.