Vanessa Feltz, the regular This Morning presenter, has suggested that certain stars speaking out against the show have a grudge against it. Her comments followed criticism from former host Eamonn Holmes and ex-resident doctor Ranj Singh, both of whom have spoken out against Phillip Schofield since he left the show last month. Schofield, 61, stepped down amid rumours of a feud with co-host Holly Willoughby before admitting to an affair with a younger colleague. The fallout from his departure has sparked accusations of a “toxic culture” at the programme.
During her Talk TV show, Feltz said a “handful of people” had been critical of This Morning and suggested that some had been dropped from the show. She stated that those who were content to remain on the show “won’t know what they’re talking about”. Feltz’s comments were made following remarks by Holmes, 63, who claimed there was a “cover-up” at This Morning and that “those in authority had to know what was going on”. This has been strenuously denied by ITV.
Singh, who left This Morning two years ago, wrote on Twitter that he was concerned about “things behind the scenes” and the way “people, including myself, were being treated”. He added that he “genuinely loved” working on the show but had found that his time there had become increasingly dissonant with his values. He also claimed that he had sent in a complaint about the show’s editor, Martin Frizzell. This came following claims from Schofield that those criticising him had “a grudge” and that the programme was “the best show to work on… with the best people”.
It is clear that the departure of Schofield has been a difficult and destabilising experience for many people connected to This Morning. The presenter was a well-respected and popular figure on the show, appearing alongside Willoughby for more than 11 years. However, it is also apparent that there has been long-standing tension underlying the programme. Singh’s assertion of a “toxic culture” indicates some dissatisfaction amongst staff, while Singh and Holmes are both voices who have been heard before on issues surrounding This Morning’s practices and culture.
It is too early to say whether this latest scandal will have a lasting impact on the show’s success. Despite recent controversies, the programme remains a favourite with viewers, regularly pulling in millions of viewers and providing a key health and lifestyle resource for many households. However, if the allegations of bullying and a “culture of fear” begin to be substantiated, then this could change. It is possible that ITV may have to take a closer look at its management practices and the way it deals with staff. After all, as Singh notes, “it takes more than one person to create a culture.”
The fallout from Schofield’s departure has certainly raised questions about the way in which Television deals with the personal behaviour of its stars. The presenter’s affair was initially the subject of much tabloid gossip, before Schofield himself chose to go public with his story. Since then, he has been subject to criticism from both outside and inside the industry for his alleged behaviour and the impact it may have had on colleagues and friends. It is difficult to know what the long-term effects of this will be. Some have speculated that Schofield’s career may be over, while others suggest that he could rebuild his reputation. The same could be said for This Morning itself. Whatever the future holds for the show, it is a reminder of how television, like any other industry, can be shaped by individual actions and personalities.
Overall, the situation at This Morning is a complex and ongoing issue. There are many questions still to be answered, and many who have suffered as a result of the perceived failings of the programme. However, it is also important to remember the success of the show and to recognise the good work done by the many talented and dedicated people who have worked hard to make it a success. As we move forward, it is to be hoped that lessons can be learned, and that This Morning can continue to provide viewers with the high-quality programming for which it is renowned.
