This Morning editor eviscerated for 'ill-judged' remarks as ITV exec refuses to back him
Magnus Brooke criticised Martin Frizell’s comments when quizzed by MPs
PA
The editor of ITV's This Morning programme failed to receive the public backing of an ITV executive when questioned by MPs in Parliament today.
The broadcaster's group director of strategy, policy and regulation, Magnus Brooke, said the future of Martin Frizell’s position was "not a question for now".
He also criticised the TV producer for making "extremely ill-judged" remarks about Phillip Schofield's departure from ITV.
Frizell appeared to make light of the crisis surrounding the mid-morning television programme when quizzed on camera by a journalist.
Martin Frizell appeared to make light of the crisis when quizzed
SNP MP John Nicholson criticised Frizell for making "outrageously dismissive and flippant on camera about an immensely serious issue".
The This Morning producer had been asked on camera if there was a "toxic" work environment on the show.
Frizell responded saying: "I’ll tell you what’s toxic and I’ve always found it toxic. Aubergine. Do you like aubergine? Do you? Do you like aubergine because I don’t like aubergine. It’s just a personal thing."
Criticising his attitude while appearing in front of the culture, media and sport committee , Brookes said: "I wouldn’t endorse what he said."
It was "extremely ill-judged to say what he did", he added.
"I can reassure you on behalf of ITV that we do take all of these allegation very seriously precisely because we do have a culture where people’s conduct matters enormously."
Asked if Frizell’s position is secure, Brooke said: "That is not a question for me and not a question for now."
Former staff members spoken out about what it was like to work on This Morning, criticising the show's backstage culture.
This Morning has been accused of having a 'toxic culture'
ITVAfter the revelations of Phillip Schofield's affair with a younger member of staff were revealed, Dr Ranj Singh, This Morning's former on hand medical expert, went public to address his personal experiences.
Criticising a "toxic culture", he said: "Over time, I grew increasingly worried about how things were behind-the-scenes and how people, including myself were being treated.
"I didn't know the truth about what was going on with Phillip, but I do know the issues with This Morning go far beyond him. It takes more than one person to create a culture."
Separately, GB News presenter and former This Morning host Eamonn Holmes said: "The Editor of This Morning cultivated a huge area whereby anything to indulge Phillip and Holly, whatever Phillip and Holly want they get."