Entertainment
ITV pulls Viewpoint’s final episode from broadcast after Noel Clarke allegations
ITV will not broadcast the final episode of Viewpoint after the allegations against Noel Clarke.
The Doctor Who actor, who stars as DC Martin Young in the thriller, has faced allegations of misconduct from 20 women, which he has vehemently denied.
ITV said in a statement that it will not air the episode on its main channel, but will make it available for a limited time on ITV Hub tonight.
The broadcaster said in a statement: ‘ITV has a zero tolerance policy to bullying, harassment and victimisation and robust procedures in place to investigate and deal with any complaints.
‘We strongly believe that everyone deserves to work in a supportive and safe environment.
‘In light of the very serious nature of the allegations against Noel Clarke raised by 20 women in the Guardian’s report, ITV has decided it is no longer appropriate to broadcast the final episode of the drama Viewpoint on ITV main channel this evening.
‘We are mindful that some of our viewers have already invested four hours of their time over the past four nights in following this thriller which was due to conclude this evening, and they have yet to see the final episode.
‘As such we plan to make it available on ITV Hub tonight for a limited time for any viewers who wish to seek it out, and watch its conclusion.’
Clarke has been accused of misconduct, including sexual harassment and bullying, by 20 women.
He denied the claims, telling The Guardian in a statement: ‘In a 20-year career, I have put inclusivity and diversity at the forefront of my work and never had a complaint made against me.
‘If anyone who has worked with me has ever felt uncomfortable or disrespected, I sincerely apologise. I vehemently deny any sexual misconduct or wrongdoing and intend to defend myself against these false allegations.’
The Guardian also claims that Clarke categorically denied all of the allegations bar one through his lawyers, accepting he once made inappropriate comments about one woman, for which he later apologised.
Last month, Bafta announced it was honouring Clarke for outstanding British contribution to cinema at this year’s awards.
The Academy has since suspended Clarke’s membership, and his award.
Viewpoint follows a detective who is investigating the disappearance of a school teacher, and sets up surveillance on the prime suspect, the teacher’s boyfriend.
Clarke stars alongside actors including Catherine Tyldesley, Alexandra Roach, and Fehinti Balogun.
MORE : Bulletproof’s Ashley Walters breaks silence on Noel Clarke allegations: ‘I can’t ignore them’
