Caroline Flack’s mother says ITV has 'learned nothing'…

Caroline Flack’s mother says ITV has 'learned nothing' from her daughter’s death

Caroline Flack’s mother has said ITV has 'learned nothing' from her daughter’s death as she spoke about Phillip Schofield's departure from the broadcaster following his secret affair with a younger male colleague.

Christine Flack criticised ITV, saying that on-screen talent were treated as “commodities”. “I know it’s a lovely job and they earn money. But also the television stations earn money from them… they’re not commodities, they’re people,” she told Newsnight, adding that Schofield and the younger man “should have been looked after”.

“I hate the thought that Phillip and this young man are going through such an awful time,” she said.

“It’s bad enough when it’s in private, but when it’s in every single paper and first thing on the news, it’s just ridiculous. Wait to see what happens. Let’s hope for the best.

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“I send my regards to Phillip and the young lad, and hope they get over this. Don’t do anything silly.”

In a statement, ITV said: “The relationships we have with those we work with are based on trust.

“Phillip made assurances to us and his agency which he now acknowledges were untrue and we feel badly let down.

“As a producer and broadcaster, ITV takes its responsibilities around duty of care seriously and has robust and well-established processes in place to support the mental and physical health of employees and all those we work with.”

Caroline Flack's mother, Christine (Channel 4)

Speaking about the impact of the aftermath of high departure on Schofield, Ms Flack said: “He knew Caroline and I must say, when she died he was very upset.

“And I think he’s now realising even more what she went through. Being in the media he knew what she was going through.

“But until it happens to you, you feel sad but you don’t understand.

“He’s trying to put things straight. But I don’t think it will end there.

“I hope he’s done the right thing. I hope he feels better. I hope people now will let it settle. He’s lost his job, he’s lost his world. I think that’s enough. I think that’s enough for anybody.”

Schofield told the BBC that the fallout in the media after the affair revelations had been “relentless”, which Ms Flack said was “exactly” how her daughter had felt.

Christine Flack criticised ITV and said it has 'learned nothing' from her daughter Caroline’s death (ITV)

“Every day she would try to be a bit stronger, which I should imagine Phillip is,” she said.

“But you get more and more thrown at you. It’s not only him, it is his daughters. Luckily he’s got them there for support.

“But it’s his family. His wife, his mum. Everyone that’s around him. Everybody suffers – but not as much as him.”