Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary make statement to address This Morning 'toxic' claims
29.05.2023 - 10:41
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
This Morning stars have addressed claims that there is a "toxic" atmosphere behind the scenes on the ITV show.
Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary directly broached the subject at the top of Monday's show as regular contributor Giles Brandeth blasted the ongoing rumours on the back of the drama which is surrounding Phillip Schofield's exit on Friday after more than 20 years on camera.
Dermot said: "We know we have been in the news at the moment. But just from both of us, and the whole team here, the crew, the guys downstairs, we love making this show for all of you."
Alison added: "We really do and that's exactly what we're gonna do - we're continuing to do that."
On Friday, Phillip announced he was stepping away from ITV as a whole as he admitted he'd had an affair with a young male colleague who worked on the show. This morning, just minutes before the ITV daytime programme launched Monday's episode, Phillip released a statement via Instagram where he slammed a "handful of people" who he claims have a "grudge" against him as he blasted the "toxic" claims.
Phillip wrote: "Now I no longer work on @thismorning I am free to say this. I hope you have noticed that it’s the same handful of people with a grudge against me or the show who seem to have the loudest voice. This Morning IS the best show to work on, with the best people. In all the years I worked there there was no toxicity. You can listen to those persistently loud voices if you like.
But the thousands of guests over the years, thousands of staff and crew, hundreds of presenters and contributors all know, it IS a family of wonderful, talented, kind and hardworking people."
His angry words came after several former regulars, including Dr Ranj spoke out about the "toxic"