Vanessa Feltz has claimed those who have spoken out against This Morning in the wake of Phillip Schofield’s departure have a “grudge” against the show.
Former host Eamonn Holmes and ex-resident doctor Ranj Singh are among those who have criticised Schofield and the ITV mid-morning show.
Schofield, 61, stepped down amid rumours of a feud between him and co-host Holly Willoughby, 42, before revealing he’d had an affair with a much younger colleague, which led to him leaving the show and being dropped by his agents.
Addressing the criticism on her Talk TV show, Feltz, 61, who regularly appears on This Morning, said: “It has been suggested that quite a lot of the people who are very vocally critical of This Morning.
“And, actually, it’s a handful of people, there are some celebrities, a couple of journalists, and what’s been suggested is quite a lot of them were once on the programme and aren’t on it anymore.
“And that is the reason for this aggrieved, grudging malice that is coming out but if you ask people who are still on the programme and who are on it regularly, who enjoy being on it, they won’t know what they’re talking about.”
Holmes, who previously hosted the Friday show alongside his wife Ruth Langsford, previously claimed there was a “cover-up” by This Morning while Dr Ranj claimed the show has a “toxic culture”.
In response to the medic’s claims, an ITV spokesperson previously said: “We are sorry to read Dr Ranj’s post today. At ITV we are fully committed to providing every opportunity for anyone who works with us to raise any concern or comments they may have.
“Following a complaint made by Dr Ranj, we appointed an external and independent advisor to carry out a review. This external review found no evidence of bullying or discrimination.”
Meanwhile, Schofield denied suggestions This Morning has a “toxic” atmosphere on Instagram.
He penned: “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, hard working people.”
