ITV is to be questioned by MPs about the controversy surrounding Phillip Schofield.
Schofield 61, resigned from the broadcaster on Friday and was dropped by his talent agency YMU after admitting to an “unwise but not illegal” affair with a younger male colleague.
Pressure has increased on the broadcaster’s chief executive, Dame Carolyn McCall, to say what she knew about the relationship amid claims the young man had received a substantial payout to leave the show.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the channel said: “ITV can confirm that when rumours of a relationship between Phillip Schofield and an employee of ITV first began to circulate in early 2020, ITV investigated.
“Both parties were questioned and both categorically and repeatedly denied the rumours, as did Phillip’s then agency, YMU. In addition, ITV spoke to a number of people who worked on This Morning and were not provided with, and did not find, any evidence of a relationship beyond hearsay and rumour.
“Phillip’s statement reveals that he lied to people at ITV, from senior management to fellow presenters, to YMU, to the media and to others.”
iNews report that the channel’s bosses are expected to sit before the Commons Culture, Media and Sports Committee on Tuesday June 5.
The session is expected to focus on scrutiny of the forthcoming Media Bill, with SNP MP John Nicolson – a committee member – writing on Twitter: “The issues erupting around ITV have been a cause for concern. I look forward to getting some answers from ITV bosses.”
It came after Schofield was axed as an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust with the charity saying it is “no longer appropriate” to work with him.
Holly Willoughby will return to present This Morning next week and “carry on like the professional she is”.
She is due to return to the show on June 5 after the half-term break, having taken an early holiday after news of Phillip Schofield’s departure emerged.
On Wednesday, a source told The Sun of Willoughby: “She has made it clear she was one of the people Phil lied to and she has nothing to hide.
“She will return to This Morning as planned on Monday and carry on like the professional she is.
“Holly has been affected by Phil’s actions and it has been very difficult. She is devoted to This Morning, however, and will continue to do the best job she can for them.”
Schofield had presented This Morning since 2002, with Willoughby joining the programme in 2009.
The pair’s friendly relationship and informal nature on the programme resulted in viral segments and industry recognition, including multiple National Television Awards.
