Phillip Schofield scandal is ‘hard to hear’ says Peter Andre as he opens up on his experiences on This Morning
Peter Andre has defended the show as it faces claims of 'toxicity'
GB News / PA
The fallout at This Morning over Phillip Schofield’s affair with a much younger colleague is “difficult” to take, according to Peter Andre.
ITV’s flagship daytime show is under fire amid claims they “paid off” the young runner who had a relationship with the 61-year-old presenter.
The Daily Mail is reporting that ITV gave a payment to the individual on question upon the end of his relationship with Schofield.
The show is also facing claims of “toxicity”, with former resident doctor Dr Ranj claiming he endured a culture of bullying while working on the programme.
Television personality Peter Andre has spoken out in support of the under fire programme, revealing his experiences were only positive.
He told GB News: “I have to say that when I’ve been there over the years, they’ve always been incredibly nice to me.
“The staff, the people on the floor, the executives, they’ve always been nice to me, and it’s really hard.
“It is hard to hear this because you almost don’t want it to be true.
Phillip Schofield has quit ITVPA“I know that there’s a lot of speculation still and there’s no definite on anything, but it really is a difficult thing to hear when you’ve loved that family for so long and I still love them.”
It comes after GB News’ Eamonn Holmes accused ITV of a “total cover-up” over the Schofield affair.
Speaking to Dan Wootton, he claimed that “those in authority” must have known what was going on.
“It’s a total cover-up,” he said.
“Those in authority had to know what was going on and they thought they would dodge a bullet with this.
“Which they do, and they do constantly, because with Schofield talking about those who speak out against him, namely me, Amanda Holden and you (Dan Wootton), you’ll be included in the toxicity that goes on. Dr Ranj, of course, as well.
“And you simply sit there and think ‘No mate, you’ve had it all your way for too long’.”
On Saturday, ITV said that it had investigated the rumours in early 2020, but Schofield “categorically” denied that it was true.
“Further to our statement last night, ITV can confirm that when rumours of a relationship between Phillip Schofield and an employee of ITV first began to circulate in early 2020 ITV investigated,” a spokesperson for the broadcaster said.
“Both parties were questioned and both categorically and repeatedly denied the rumours as did Phillip’s then agency YMU.
“In addition, ITV spoke to a number of people who worked on This Morning and were not provided with, and did not find, any evidence of a relationship beyond hearsay and rumour.
“Phillip’s statement yesterday reveals that he lied to people at ITV, from senior management to fellow presenters, to YMU, to the media and to others over this relationship.”