Entertainment
ITV boss ‘doesn’t take toxic This Morning accusations seriously’ despite confirming Dr Ranj Singh complaint and one more-Ruth Lawes-Entertainment – Metro
Dr Ranj Singh was one of the complaints.
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ITV chief executive Carolyn McCall has addressed claims about the culture at This Morning.
Several stars, including Dr Ranj Singh and Eamonn Holmes, hit out at the daytime TV series, claiming it was ‘toxic’ behind the scenes.
The TV medic, who spent a decade as a contributor on the programme, said he was ‘managed out’ after raising concerns with bosses.
McCall appeared at a government committee on Wednesday, weeks after This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield admitted to an ‘unwise but not illegal’ affair with a runner, quitting the broadcaster with ‘immediate effect.’
The TV executive was grilled by MPs about her knowledge of the relationship and also asked to address the claims of ‘toxicity’ at This Morning.
Asked about the accusations of the culture at the long-running show, she replied: ‘What I would say is that it’s not something that we take that seriously.
Dr Ranj claimed he was ‘managed out’ after raising concern (Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Eamonn has also been vocal about his experience on This Morning(Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
‘What I know is that when we talk about culture it’s incredibly important to me, personally and so it deeply disappoints me, right?
‘But we do not recognise that in This Morning and the reason for that is that we have tangible evidence to tell you that the vast majority of people at daytime and at This Morning are engaged.
‘That’s not to say we don’t take complaints about it seriously. We’ve had two complaints in five years about that issue. Both of them taken very seriously.’
McCall appeared in front of MPs at a committee (Picture: Parliament)
Phillip departed ITV after admitting to an ‘unwise but not illegal’ affair with a runner(Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)
McCall explained that one complaint related to Dr Ranj and the broadcaster had commissioned an external investigation ‘that had happened but was not able to be upheld.’
The other complaint, which she insisted were always taken seriously, was looked into internally.
After Dr Ranj made his allegations public, ITV insisted it had a ‘robust duty of care’ towards its staffers in a letter penned by McCall.
In the wide-ranging message, she addressed Dr Ranj’s claims and says the network was ‘sorry’ to read his statement.
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The network has also instructed a barrister to conduct an external review into the facts surrounding Phillip’s departure.
This Morning editor Martin Frizell confirmed the findings of the investigation will be made public.
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