Huw Edwards has resigned from the BBC, almost a year after reports claimed that the newsreader had paid a young person for sexually explicit images.
“Huw Edwards has today resigned and left the BBC,” said a statement from the broadcaster.
“After 40 years of service, Huw has explained that his decision was made on the basis of medical advice from his doctors. The BBC has accepted his resignation which it believes will allow all parties to move forward.”
One of the BBC’s most high-profile newsreaders, who also fronted its election coverage, Edwards was revealed to be the subject of a Sun exposé about a ‘BBC presenter’ who had allegedly paid a young person around £30,000 for indecent images last summer. He was named on July 12 by his wife Vicky Flind, who said at the time the presenter was “suffering from serious mental health issues” and was receiving in-patient hospital care.
Director...
“Huw Edwards has today resigned and left the BBC,” said a statement from the broadcaster.
“After 40 years of service, Huw has explained that his decision was made on the basis of medical advice from his doctors. The BBC has accepted his resignation which it believes will allow all parties to move forward.”
One of the BBC’s most high-profile newsreaders, who also fronted its election coverage, Edwards was revealed to be the subject of a Sun exposé about a ‘BBC presenter’ who had allegedly paid a young person around £30,000 for indecent images last summer. He was named on July 12 by his wife Vicky Flind, who said at the time the presenter was “suffering from serious mental health issues” and was receiving in-patient hospital care.
Director...
- 4/22/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has pulled the curtain back on a slate of UK unscripted originals, including reality competition series Bear Hunt, starring Bear Grylls and Holly Willoughby.
Announced at the Next on Netflix showcase in London, Bear Hunt (working title) will feature survival expert Grylls preying on an unlikely group of British celebrities in the Central American jungle.
Here’s the logline: “Bear believes there’s an action hero inside us all – even the celebs – but how strong is their will to survive? As Bear puts them through their paces, those who fail to impress will face the dreaded ‘Bear Hunt’ – a brutal game of cat and mouse where they’ll be hunted down by Bear himself and, if captured, eliminated from the show.”
The series will premiere next year and will be co-produced by Grylls’ The Natural Studios; Workerbee, the Banijay-backed outfit behind Discovery’s Idris Elba: Fighter; and Fremantle’s Talkback,...
Announced at the Next on Netflix showcase in London, Bear Hunt (working title) will feature survival expert Grylls preying on an unlikely group of British celebrities in the Central American jungle.
Here’s the logline: “Bear believes there’s an action hero inside us all – even the celebs – but how strong is their will to survive? As Bear puts them through their paces, those who fail to impress will face the dreaded ‘Bear Hunt’ – a brutal game of cat and mouse where they’ll be hunted down by Bear himself and, if captured, eliminated from the show.”
The series will premiere next year and will be co-produced by Grylls’ The Natural Studios; Workerbee, the Banijay-backed outfit behind Discovery’s Idris Elba: Fighter; and Fremantle’s Talkback,...
- 3/14/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Steven Moffat began working on his new limited series “Douglas Is Cancelled” in 2018, before most people — Moffat included — had even heard of the term “cancel culture.”
It was only later he realized his story — about a distinguished news anchor whose life is turned upside down when an unguarded comment goes viral — exemplified it.
“At the time I wrote this, I wouldn’t have known the expression,” the screenwriter, best known for his work on fan favorites “Sherlock” and “Doctor Who,” tells Variety. “Obviously, [once I did] I co-opted it straight into the title.”
The show follows the misadventures of Douglas Bellowes, played by Hugh Bonneville of “Paddington” and “Downton Abbey” fame. After a rare verbal misstep at a wedding spirals out of control, he finds himself scrambling to salvage both his personal and professional lives. Karen Gillan (“Guardians of the Galaxy”) also stars as Douglas’ ambitious and internet-savvy co-host Madeline.
“What’s funny...
It was only later he realized his story — about a distinguished news anchor whose life is turned upside down when an unguarded comment goes viral — exemplified it.
“At the time I wrote this, I wouldn’t have known the expression,” the screenwriter, best known for his work on fan favorites “Sherlock” and “Doctor Who,” tells Variety. “Obviously, [once I did] I co-opted it straight into the title.”
The show follows the misadventures of Douglas Bellowes, played by Hugh Bonneville of “Paddington” and “Downton Abbey” fame. After a rare verbal misstep at a wedding spirals out of control, he finds himself scrambling to salvage both his personal and professional lives. Karen Gillan (“Guardians of the Galaxy”) also stars as Douglas’ ambitious and internet-savvy co-host Madeline.
“What’s funny...
- 2/26/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Gladiators came back with a bang to British TV screens on Saturday, making light work of ITV’s The Masked Singer.
In the latest line of UK TV reboots, the series in which members of the public take on the gladiators in challenges was watched by more than 6M viewers with a 38% share, comfortably becoming the BBC’s most-watched new show of the year and topping the weekend ratings chart.
Helmed by Bradley Walsh and son Barney, the hour-long show that aired from 5.50 p.m. GMT (9.50 a.m. Pt) peaked with 6.3M and comfortably beat ITV’s The Masked Singer, which is now into its fifth season and was watched by 3.7M from 7 p.m. GMT.
The rating would have been particularly frustrating for ITV as Gladiators aired on that channel for eight years and 13 seasons in the 1990s, making icons of its gladiators. It was briefly restarted by Sky One...
In the latest line of UK TV reboots, the series in which members of the public take on the gladiators in challenges was watched by more than 6M viewers with a 38% share, comfortably becoming the BBC’s most-watched new show of the year and topping the weekend ratings chart.
Helmed by Bradley Walsh and son Barney, the hour-long show that aired from 5.50 p.m. GMT (9.50 a.m. Pt) peaked with 6.3M and comfortably beat ITV’s The Masked Singer, which is now into its fifth season and was watched by 3.7M from 7 p.m. GMT.
The rating would have been particularly frustrating for ITV as Gladiators aired on that channel for eight years and 13 seasons in the 1990s, making icons of its gladiators. It was briefly restarted by Sky One...
- 1/15/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Holly Willoughby is ready to make her comeback on ITV’s Dancing On Ice after enduring a difficult 2023.
ITV has confirmed that Willoughby will present the next season of its celebrity ice skating competition series, with Stephen Mulhern replacing Phillip Schofield as co-host.
Commenting on Willoughby’s return to Dancing on Ice, Katie Rawcliffe, head of entertainment at ITV, said: “Holly and Stephen are two of our best-loved presenters, so reuniting them 20 years after they first appeared on screen together to host Dancing on Ice marks the start of an exciting year for the show.”
Willoughby has been on a break from presenting duties since October after a man was charged with a plot to kidnap and murder the British television star. Gavin Plumb denies the charges.
The alleged threat followed a storm over Schofield’s relationship with a young co-worker on This Morning, as well as questions about an...
ITV has confirmed that Willoughby will present the next season of its celebrity ice skating competition series, with Stephen Mulhern replacing Phillip Schofield as co-host.
Commenting on Willoughby’s return to Dancing on Ice, Katie Rawcliffe, head of entertainment at ITV, said: “Holly and Stephen are two of our best-loved presenters, so reuniting them 20 years after they first appeared on screen together to host Dancing on Ice marks the start of an exciting year for the show.”
Willoughby has been on a break from presenting duties since October after a man was charged with a plot to kidnap and murder the British television star. Gavin Plumb denies the charges.
The alleged threat followed a storm over Schofield’s relationship with a young co-worker on This Morning, as well as questions about an...
- 12/28/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Nigel Farage has hit back at ITV programs boss Kevin Lygo for “rude, one-handed gestures” and “making life quite unpleasant for me” during his time on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!.
Farage, who came third over the weekend as the ITV juggernaut series concluded, used his Gb News show last night to issue a stern warning to Lygo, appearing to reference the executive mocking him during the ITV Palooza event late last month.
“It seems whilst I was in [I’m a Celebrity], one or two people up at the top of ITV were doing their best to make life quite unpleasant for me,” said Farage, who became the second controversial politician to enter the jungle in the past two years following Matt Hancock’s 2022 turn.
“So I would suggest, Mr Lygo, that I am prepared to ignore your rude, one-handed gestures, the pathetic attempts by...
Farage, who came third over the weekend as the ITV juggernaut series concluded, used his Gb News show last night to issue a stern warning to Lygo, appearing to reference the executive mocking him during the ITV Palooza event late last month.
“It seems whilst I was in [I’m a Celebrity], one or two people up at the top of ITV were doing their best to make life quite unpleasant for me,” said Farage, who became the second controversial politician to enter the jungle in the past two years following Matt Hancock’s 2022 turn.
“So I would suggest, Mr Lygo, that I am prepared to ignore your rude, one-handed gestures, the pathetic attempts by...
- 12/12/2023
- by Jesse Whittock and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Good afternoon Insiders, here we go again with a busy old week in TV and film. Max Goldbart penning the newsletter. Read on and sign up here.
Bad Times For The BBC
Déjà vu: When you’ve been doing this for a little while, nothing gives off more of a sense of déjà vu than BBC budget woes. It always starts the same way. A downtrodden UK Prime Minister desperately seeks a distraction hook and latches on to the nation’s favorite (ish) broadcaster, in this case saying over the weekend that the public cannot afford the previously-agreed inflationary rise to the licence fee next year that would have seen the fee shoot up by nearly £15 ($18.90). Several days and one new chair appointment later, and the sentiment was confirmed by Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, who said the fee will instead rise by just more than £10, as the government shifted the goalposts.
Bad Times For The BBC
Déjà vu: When you’ve been doing this for a little while, nothing gives off more of a sense of déjà vu than BBC budget woes. It always starts the same way. A downtrodden UK Prime Minister desperately seeks a distraction hook and latches on to the nation’s favorite (ish) broadcaster, in this case saying over the weekend that the public cannot afford the previously-agreed inflationary rise to the licence fee next year that would have seen the fee shoot up by nearly £15 ($18.90). Several days and one new chair appointment later, and the sentiment was confirmed by Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, who said the fee will instead rise by just more than £10, as the government shifted the goalposts.
- 12/8/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
In June, U.K. TV giant ITV emphasized that a relationship between former top host Phillip Schofield and a much younger colleague was “deeply inappropriate.” CEO Carolyn McCall launched an investigation of the case after Schofield had to resign from his role as co-host of U.K. TV giant ITV’s morning show This Morning after lying about the affair with a production assistant.
On Thursday, a report with the probe’s findings was published. “ITV’s management made considerable efforts to determine the truth about an alleged relationship between Ps and Px following on from the publication of a story in The Sun newspaper in early December 2019,” wrote Jane Mulcahy, who led the investigation. “However, in the face of the denials of the individuals involved, ITV was unable to uncover the relevant evidence until Ps’s admission in late May 2023.”
As a result, she highlighted “the importance of junior employees...
On Thursday, a report with the probe’s findings was published. “ITV’s management made considerable efforts to determine the truth about an alleged relationship between Ps and Px following on from the publication of a story in The Sun newspaper in early December 2019,” wrote Jane Mulcahy, who led the investigation. “However, in the face of the denials of the individuals involved, ITV was unable to uncover the relevant evidence until Ps’s admission in late May 2023.”
As a result, she highlighted “the importance of junior employees...
- 12/7/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
ITV is to publish a talent “charter” setting out key standards expected from its high-profile presenters following the publication of the long-awaited Phillip Schofield review, which rejected the notion that there was a “toxic culture” on This Morning and that ITV knew anything of his affair.
Led by Jane Mulcahy Kc, the review made several recommendations following the Schofield scandal that led to his resignation, but denied there was a “toxic culture” on the show he had been helming for years.
Schofield resigned from This Morning in disgrace in May and was dropped by his agency Ymu after admitting to a years-long affair with a much younger colleague. Soon after, ITV instructed Mulcahy to review the facts around Schofield following his departure. ITV bosses had been grilled by the UK’s Culture, Media & Sport Committee but denied any hard evidence was ever provided about the affair.
Having spoken to 48 people,...
Led by Jane Mulcahy Kc, the review made several recommendations following the Schofield scandal that led to his resignation, but denied there was a “toxic culture” on the show he had been helming for years.
Schofield resigned from This Morning in disgrace in May and was dropped by his agency Ymu after admitting to a years-long affair with a much younger colleague. Soon after, ITV instructed Mulcahy to review the facts around Schofield following his departure. ITV bosses had been grilled by the UK’s Culture, Media & Sport Committee but denied any hard evidence was ever provided about the affair.
Having spoken to 48 people,...
- 12/7/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
ITV has published findings from its external inquiry into former “This Morning” anchor Phillip Schofield’s affair with a Pa on the show. Schofield did not participate in the inquiry because of a “risk to his health,” the report stated, adding that the former anchor’s “mental health has since deteriorated.”
U.K public service broadcaster ITV hired lawyer Jane Mulcahy Kc to conduct a review earlier this year after Schofield admitted to an “unwise but not illegal” affair with the young staffer (Variety is aware of the staffer’s identity but is not naming him to protect his anonymity). The resulting fallout saw Schofield step down from the daytime magazine show after two decades. He was also dropped by his agent. His long-time co-anchor, Holly Willoughby, found herself caught up in the scandal and also stepped down a few months later after becoming the target of a kidnap plot.
U.K public service broadcaster ITV hired lawyer Jane Mulcahy Kc to conduct a review earlier this year after Schofield admitted to an “unwise but not illegal” affair with the young staffer (Variety is aware of the staffer’s identity but is not naming him to protect his anonymity). The resulting fallout saw Schofield step down from the daytime magazine show after two decades. He was also dropped by his agent. His long-time co-anchor, Holly Willoughby, found herself caught up in the scandal and also stepped down a few months later after becoming the target of a kidnap plot.
- 12/7/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
British TV presenter Fiona Phillips announced in 2022 that she had been diagnosed with early-onset dementia.
Now, in an interview, the 62-year-old former TV host has revealed she believes her 11-year run of presenting breakfast television could have caused her to get the disease at a relatively young age.
Phillips, who used to get up at around 3am for her shifts presenting ITV breakfast show GMTV between 1997 and 2008, told Woman&Home Magazine:
“I ask myself why I got this dreadful disease. I wonder whether all the years of getting up so early when I was working on GMTV contributed to me getting Alzheimer’s so young.”
Phillips shared that she had benefited from being put on a drugs trial in an attempt to slow down her symptoms, a protocol she said seemed to be working.
She said: “I’m taking part in a revolutionary drug trial that’s trying to find a cure.
Now, in an interview, the 62-year-old former TV host has revealed she believes her 11-year run of presenting breakfast television could have caused her to get the disease at a relatively young age.
Phillips, who used to get up at around 3am for her shifts presenting ITV breakfast show GMTV between 1997 and 2008, told Woman&Home Magazine:
“I ask myself why I got this dreadful disease. I wonder whether all the years of getting up so early when I was working on GMTV contributed to me getting Alzheimer’s so young.”
Phillips shared that she had benefited from being put on a drugs trial in an attempt to slow down her symptoms, a protocol she said seemed to be working.
She said: “I’m taking part in a revolutionary drug trial that’s trying to find a cure.
- 12/2/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
British commercial broadcaster ITV has recruited a familiar face to guest-present an edition of their flagship daytime magazine show This Morning – with Sarah Ferguson arriving on the sofa this Monday.
The Sun reports that the former Duchess of York will guest-present the popular show for one day, as well as editing the show from the gallery.
Ferguson, who has previously appeared as a guest on the programme, told the newspaper: “I’m looking forward to being there for the whole morning, and thrilled to be guest editing the show which will mean getting to explore some topics I’m passionate about.”
Items on the show are scheduled to include an interview with veteran singer Sir Cliff Richard, how to home a dog, skin protection and the importance of defribillators.
ITV has been rotating guest presenters since its star host Holly Willoughby quit last month. She had been recovering from the...
The Sun reports that the former Duchess of York will guest-present the popular show for one day, as well as editing the show from the gallery.
Ferguson, who has previously appeared as a guest on the programme, told the newspaper: “I’m looking forward to being there for the whole morning, and thrilled to be guest editing the show which will mean getting to explore some topics I’m passionate about.”
Items on the show are scheduled to include an interview with veteran singer Sir Cliff Richard, how to home a dog, skin protection and the importance of defribillators.
ITV has been rotating guest presenters since its star host Holly Willoughby quit last month. She had been recovering from the...
- 11/19/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
The staff working for UK commercial broadcaster ITV have been told they will have declare their relationships – sexual, romantic and, when appropriate, platonic – or risk losing their job.
The new policy comes in the wake of the departure of one of its highest profile hosts, Phillip Schofield – who presented This Morning alongside Holly Willoughby – and his admission that he had had a secret relationship with a younger male member of staff, and lied about this to his bosses at the channel.
The Times newspaper reports that the broadcaster has issued a “Personal Relationships at Work Policy” to all staff. The relationships are defined as: “a close connection such as a partner or significant other”, “a person living in the same household” and “anyone involved in a sexual, romantic or close relationship or friendship (whether short or longer term).” Staff must complete a Google Forms questionnaire.
Staff are told: “If a...
The new policy comes in the wake of the departure of one of its highest profile hosts, Phillip Schofield – who presented This Morning alongside Holly Willoughby – and his admission that he had had a secret relationship with a younger male member of staff, and lied about this to his bosses at the channel.
The Times newspaper reports that the broadcaster has issued a “Personal Relationships at Work Policy” to all staff. The relationships are defined as: “a close connection such as a partner or significant other”, “a person living in the same household” and “anyone involved in a sexual, romantic or close relationship or friendship (whether short or longer term).” Staff must complete a Google Forms questionnaire.
Staff are told: “If a...
- 10/22/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Holly Willoughby is saying goodbye to ITV’s This Morning.
Days after it was revealed that she was the target in an alleged kidnapping and murder plot, Holly, 42, announced that she was leaving the British morning talk show after 14 years.
Keep reading to find out more…
“To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much,” Holly wrote on Instagram on Tuesday, Oct. 10. “This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we’ve done together. Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive. To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you.”
“Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers,” Holly continued. “You’ve been so loyal, so supportive and the very best company every day.”
Holly went on to give a special shout-out to This Morning‘s original hosts Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan.
Days after it was revealed that she was the target in an alleged kidnapping and murder plot, Holly, 42, announced that she was leaving the British morning talk show after 14 years.
Keep reading to find out more…
“To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much,” Holly wrote on Instagram on Tuesday, Oct. 10. “This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we’ve done together. Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive. To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you.”
“Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers,” Holly continued. “You’ve been so loyal, so supportive and the very best company every day.”
Holly went on to give a special shout-out to This Morning‘s original hosts Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan.
- 10/11/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Holly Willoughby has announced she is leaving ITV’s “This Morning” after 14 years.
“To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much. This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we’ve done together,” Willoughby said in a statement posted to her Instagram. “Thank you everyone at ITV for being supportive. To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you. Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You’ve been so loyal, so supportive and the very best company every day.”
Willoughby’s departure comes just days after a man was charged in an alleged plot to kidnap her, though she did not mention the situation in her statement. The presenter has not appeared on “This Morning” since news of the alleged plot broke last week.
“It’s been...
“To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much. This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we’ve done together,” Willoughby said in a statement posted to her Instagram. “Thank you everyone at ITV for being supportive. To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you. Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You’ve been so loyal, so supportive and the very best company every day.”
Willoughby’s departure comes just days after a man was charged in an alleged plot to kidnap her, though she did not mention the situation in her statement. The presenter has not appeared on “This Morning” since news of the alleged plot broke last week.
“It’s been...
- 10/10/2023
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Holly Willoughby is exiting This Morning after 14 years.
The presenter has said she is leaving the show “for me and my family” in a statement shared on Instagram.
“To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much. This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we’ve done together. Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive. To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you,” Willoughby’s statement read.
Willoughby continued to say it was an “honor” to be a part of the show and she will “miss you all so much.”
Willoughby’s permanent exit comes after she left the show on indefinite leave following a police investigation that foiled a 36-year-old man’s plan to kidnap the presenter. The man was arrested and charged with soliciting to commit murder.
The presenter has said she is leaving the show “for me and my family” in a statement shared on Instagram.
“To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much. This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we’ve done together. Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive. To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you,” Willoughby’s statement read.
Willoughby continued to say it was an “honor” to be a part of the show and she will “miss you all so much.”
Willoughby’s permanent exit comes after she left the show on indefinite leave following a police investigation that foiled a 36-year-old man’s plan to kidnap the presenter. The man was arrested and charged with soliciting to commit murder.
- 10/10/2023
- by Max Goldbart and Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
A 36-year-old man has been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged plot to kidnap British TV presenter Holly Willoughby.
The accused, Gavin Plumb, has been charged with “soliciting to commit murder, incitement to commit rape, and incitement to commit kidnap.” He will appear in court today.
Willoughby did not appear on Thursday’s edition of her daytime ITV show This Morning. The presenter is said to have been under police protection at her home on Thursday night.
Essex Police said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday and is currently in custody. Multiple media reports state the 36-year-old is not known to Willoughby. It is still unclear how police became aware of the alleged kidnap plot, but The Sun newspaper first reported that a mobile phone and other digital devices were seized during the arrest.
The Sun’s report states that police alerted This Morning producers to the plot early Thursday morning,...
The accused, Gavin Plumb, has been charged with “soliciting to commit murder, incitement to commit rape, and incitement to commit kidnap.” He will appear in court today.
Willoughby did not appear on Thursday’s edition of her daytime ITV show This Morning. The presenter is said to have been under police protection at her home on Thursday night.
Essex Police said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday and is currently in custody. Multiple media reports state the 36-year-old is not known to Willoughby. It is still unclear how police became aware of the alleged kidnap plot, but The Sun newspaper first reported that a mobile phone and other digital devices were seized during the arrest.
The Sun’s report states that police alerted This Morning producers to the plot early Thursday morning,...
- 10/6/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Ciisa, the independent body set up to police bullying and harassment complaints in UK TV and film, will officially go live next year.
The announcement is a long-anticipated one, especially in light of recent scandals such as the allegations against Russell Brand.
The Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (Ciisa), which is backed financially by all UK broadcasters, will offically start taking complaints next year, with more details to come on its inner workings.
The news was celebrated by those who have already championed Ciisa, such as big stars including Ruth Wilson, Keira Knightley, Naomie Harris and Stephen Graham, along with Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, who most recently backed the body at the Rts Cambridge Convention last week.
“Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy a creative career, while feeling safe and working in a professional environment,” said Frazer. “It’s important that industry comes together to tackle bullying, harassment and discrimination,...
The announcement is a long-anticipated one, especially in light of recent scandals such as the allegations against Russell Brand.
The Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (Ciisa), which is backed financially by all UK broadcasters, will offically start taking complaints next year, with more details to come on its inner workings.
The news was celebrated by those who have already championed Ciisa, such as big stars including Ruth Wilson, Keira Knightley, Naomie Harris and Stephen Graham, along with Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, who most recently backed the body at the Rts Cambridge Convention last week.
“Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy a creative career, while feeling safe and working in a professional environment,” said Frazer. “It’s important that industry comes together to tackle bullying, harassment and discrimination,...
- 9/29/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
“Strong leaders and managers” are required to call out bad behavior in the UK TV industry, ITV CEO Carolyn McCall said today as she addressed the Russell Brand allegations and slammed the government for its economic policies.
Although Brand has never worked on ITV and the BBC and Channel 4 have been far more in the firing line since the allegations, McCall said the management of talent is as important as victims speaking up to stop a repeat of Brand’s alleged behavior.
“You have to have strong leaders and managers who will say ‘that’s not appropriate’ or ‘we have had a complaint and here’s what we will do about it’,” she told the Rts Cambridge Convention. “Perhaps that has not happened enough because [the behavior has] not come out enough.”
McCall, however, said “anyone in government or anywhere else that could even think or imagine that we don’t take...
Although Brand has never worked on ITV and the BBC and Channel 4 have been far more in the firing line since the allegations, McCall said the management of talent is as important as victims speaking up to stop a repeat of Brand’s alleged behavior.
“You have to have strong leaders and managers who will say ‘that’s not appropriate’ or ‘we have had a complaint and here’s what we will do about it’,” she told the Rts Cambridge Convention. “Perhaps that has not happened enough because [the behavior has] not come out enough.”
McCall, however, said “anyone in government or anywhere else that could even think or imagine that we don’t take...
- 9/21/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: UK management agency Ymu is set to make up to 9% of staff redundant following a company review. At the same time, key lender Permira Credit will become its majority shareholder as part of the restructure, we can reveal.
Staff have been informed of the plans internally in the past hour. We hear headcount will be reduced by around 8-9% — up to 32 of Ymu’s 350 employees — and the redundancy process will begin in September. This comes after an independent review of the business by AlixPartners was undertaken to assess routes to a firmer financial footing following a testing post-pandemic period.
Specialist credit investor Permira Credit, which has been a major lender to Ymu, is planning to make what’s thought to be a sizeable investment in the company, and the agency’s leadership team will also equity partners as part of the agreement. Ymu’s clients include British presenting duo Ant and Dec,...
Staff have been informed of the plans internally in the past hour. We hear headcount will be reduced by around 8-9% — up to 32 of Ymu’s 350 employees — and the redundancy process will begin in September. This comes after an independent review of the business by AlixPartners was undertaken to assess routes to a firmer financial footing following a testing post-pandemic period.
Specialist credit investor Permira Credit, which has been a major lender to Ymu, is planning to make what’s thought to be a sizeable investment in the company, and the agency’s leadership team will also equity partners as part of the agreement. Ymu’s clients include British presenting duo Ant and Dec,...
- 8/25/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
ITV programs boss Kevin Lygo has urged no “hasty judgement” before the independent report into Phillip Schofield is published, citing “enormous pressure from press and social media.”
The independent probe into the disgraced This Morning host will likely be published next month, the exec confirmed today at the Edinburgh TV Festival.
The commercial broadcaster drafted in Jane Mulcahy Kc to examine the facts around Schofield’s relationship with a much younger runner in late May.
Lygo said Mulcahy has been “talking to everyone involved, taking our phones and looking at every text we’ve sent, including emails and WhatsApps,” as he joked: “I’m sure nothing relevant to this inquiry will be revealed [by my WhatsApps].”
Lygo confirmed the report will most likely be published at the end of next month and urged calm until then.
“The most important thing is to get facts and truth, not a hasty judgement,” he added. “There...
The independent probe into the disgraced This Morning host will likely be published next month, the exec confirmed today at the Edinburgh TV Festival.
The commercial broadcaster drafted in Jane Mulcahy Kc to examine the facts around Schofield’s relationship with a much younger runner in late May.
Lygo said Mulcahy has been “talking to everyone involved, taking our phones and looking at every text we’ve sent, including emails and WhatsApps,” as he joked: “I’m sure nothing relevant to this inquiry will be revealed [by my WhatsApps].”
Lygo confirmed the report will most likely be published at the end of next month and urged calm until then.
“The most important thing is to get facts and truth, not a hasty judgement,” he added. “There...
- 8/23/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Avalon boss Jon Thoday has said he is “surprised” that ITV bosses weren’t aware of Phillip Schofield’s relationship with a much younger runner on This Morning.
Speaking during the Power of TV debate at the Edinburgh TV Festival, the boss of the Starstruck producer and Rose Matafeo agency said “it is management’s job to know what is going on.”
Schofield resigned in disgrace several weeks ago from the popular breakfast show and ITV CEO Carolyn McCall has since said “no evidence” of the affair was brought to her team, while more This Morning current and former staff have since approached a government committee with toxicity complaints. ITV has said it informally approached the younger runner and Schofield around a dozen times over the years about the affair rumors.
“If you run a business and someone is doing something wrong it’s unusual for [management] not to know about it,...
Speaking during the Power of TV debate at the Edinburgh TV Festival, the boss of the Starstruck producer and Rose Matafeo agency said “it is management’s job to know what is going on.”
Schofield resigned in disgrace several weeks ago from the popular breakfast show and ITV CEO Carolyn McCall has since said “no evidence” of the affair was brought to her team, while more This Morning current and former staff have since approached a government committee with toxicity complaints. ITV has said it informally approached the younger runner and Schofield around a dozen times over the years about the affair rumors.
“If you run a business and someone is doing something wrong it’s unusual for [management] not to know about it,...
- 8/23/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC has found itself in hot water once again over the behind-the-scenes behavior of one of its highest profile presenters.
The BBC Northern Ireland Director this morning said he would not be commenting on the specifics of the case of Stephen Nolan, who, an Irish Times exposé alleged yesterday, sent “sexually explicit images” of a later convicted sex offender to other BBC employees working on his radio and television shows, amongst other accusations. Nolan declined to comment on the allegations via the BBC press office.
Nolan was paid more than £400,000 last year and hosts shows on Radio 5 Live and Radio Ulster.
The Irish News alleges that the BBC carried out an investigation into his behavior in 2018 following accusations from a member of his production team that he sent sexually explicit images of reality TV contestant Stephen Bear to them. Former Celebrity Big Brother contestant Bear was subsequently convicted of...
The BBC Northern Ireland Director this morning said he would not be commenting on the specifics of the case of Stephen Nolan, who, an Irish Times exposé alleged yesterday, sent “sexually explicit images” of a later convicted sex offender to other BBC employees working on his radio and television shows, amongst other accusations. Nolan declined to comment on the allegations via the BBC press office.
Nolan was paid more than £400,000 last year and hosts shows on Radio 5 Live and Radio Ulster.
The Irish News alleges that the BBC carried out an investigation into his behavior in 2018 following accusations from a member of his production team that he sent sexually explicit images of reality TV contestant Stephen Bear to them. Former Celebrity Big Brother contestant Bear was subsequently convicted of...
- 8/16/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
More individuals have raised concerns over toxic working cultures, bullying, discrimination and harassment on This Morning since ITV bosses appeared for a grilling over the Phillip Schofield saga, the UK Committee reviewing it has said.
In a letter published today from Committee Chair Caroline Dinenage to ITV CEO Carolyn McCall, Dinenage said “a large number of individuals” have been in touch since the June hearing.
Dinenage, whose letter was sent in late July, said individuals “speak with great pride” about working at ITV and are “hugely positive” about many colleagues. But “they also raise claims of toxic working cultures, bullying, discrimination and harrassment,” she went on to write.
Dinenage queried McCall and fellow ITV bosses’ claims that there have been only two complaints from people working on the show in five years. This came up during the June hearing, when committee member John Nicolson said he had personally received many more than two.
In a letter published today from Committee Chair Caroline Dinenage to ITV CEO Carolyn McCall, Dinenage said “a large number of individuals” have been in touch since the June hearing.
Dinenage, whose letter was sent in late July, said individuals “speak with great pride” about working at ITV and are “hugely positive” about many colleagues. But “they also raise claims of toxic working cultures, bullying, discrimination and harrassment,” she went on to write.
Dinenage queried McCall and fellow ITV bosses’ claims that there have been only two complaints from people working on the show in five years. This came up during the June hearing, when committee member John Nicolson said he had personally received many more than two.
- 8/9/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The BBC has defended the high volume of coverage it dedicated to the scandal involving Huw Edwards, the British broadcaster’s highest-paid news presenter.
BBC News extensively covered the story after Edwards was accused in reports by The Sun newspaper of paying a young person for sexually explicit images.
BBC journalists supported the original claims by reporting separate allegations against Edwards, including from a second young person who said they received abusive messages from the anchor.
Audience members contacted the corporation to complain that “too much” coverage was given over to the scandal, including rolling news, radio phone-ins, and bulletin-leading stories.
The BBC did not disclose how many complaints it received, but for the corporation to issue a response, it usually means that it received 100 or more missives from concerned viewers.
“BBC News reports on the BBC independently and impartially in the same way as we would with any other organisation,...
BBC News extensively covered the story after Edwards was accused in reports by The Sun newspaper of paying a young person for sexually explicit images.
BBC journalists supported the original claims by reporting separate allegations against Edwards, including from a second young person who said they received abusive messages from the anchor.
Audience members contacted the corporation to complain that “too much” coverage was given over to the scandal, including rolling news, radio phone-ins, and bulletin-leading stories.
The BBC did not disclose how many complaints it received, but for the corporation to issue a response, it usually means that it received 100 or more missives from concerned viewers.
“BBC News reports on the BBC independently and impartially in the same way as we would with any other organisation,...
- 7/24/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
U.K. broadcaster ITV has confirmed that it’s “actively exploring the possible acquisition” of “Fleabag” and “The Traitors” producer All3Media.
In a letter to shareholders on Friday morning local time, the “Love Island” broadcaster confirmed media speculation about its talks to buy All3Media, which was first reported by Reuters.
“There can be no certainty as to whether any transaction will take place, nor as to the terms of any such transaction,” reads the letter. “A further announcement will be made if and when appropriate.”
Citing sources close to the deal, Reuters reported on Thursday that ITV is looking to combine All3Media with its own in-house production and distribution business ITV Studios, which itself has been the subject of sales speculation in the last year.
London-headquartered TV producer All3Media is responsible for shows including “Gogglebox,” “Call the Midwife” and Jamie Dornan-led drama “The Tourist.” The company...
In a letter to shareholders on Friday morning local time, the “Love Island” broadcaster confirmed media speculation about its talks to buy All3Media, which was first reported by Reuters.
“There can be no certainty as to whether any transaction will take place, nor as to the terms of any such transaction,” reads the letter. “A further announcement will be made if and when appropriate.”
Citing sources close to the deal, Reuters reported on Thursday that ITV is looking to combine All3Media with its own in-house production and distribution business ITV Studios, which itself has been the subject of sales speculation in the last year.
London-headquartered TV producer All3Media is responsible for shows including “Gogglebox,” “Call the Midwife” and Jamie Dornan-led drama “The Tourist.” The company...
- 6/16/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
ITV has provided a timeline of how it responded to rumors of This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield’s relationship with a younger runner three years before the story burst into the public domain.
The broadcaster gave evidence to UK Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee on Wednesday morning, with CEO Carolyn McCall saying she welcomed the opportunity to put right “misinformation” about a scandal that has dominated headlines in Britain.
Schofield, one of the UK’s best-known presenters, stepped down as the host of This Morning last month and later admitted to having a relationship with a younger runner, referred to as Person X in ITV’s evidence to lawmakers.
The relationship was the source of rampant speculation at ITV and there have been questions about how senior managers could not have known about Schofield’s potential abuse of power.
McCall — flanked by content chief Kevin Lygo and general...
The broadcaster gave evidence to UK Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee on Wednesday morning, with CEO Carolyn McCall saying she welcomed the opportunity to put right “misinformation” about a scandal that has dominated headlines in Britain.
Schofield, one of the UK’s best-known presenters, stepped down as the host of This Morning last month and later admitted to having a relationship with a younger runner, referred to as Person X in ITV’s evidence to lawmakers.
The relationship was the source of rampant speculation at ITV and there have been questions about how senior managers could not have known about Schofield’s potential abuse of power.
McCall — flanked by content chief Kevin Lygo and general...
- 6/14/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
“We do not recognise a toxic culture at This Morning,” ITV boss Carolyn McCall has said bullishly during her committee hearing on the Phillip Schofield affair.
The CEO said she has “tangible evidence” that the vast majority of people working on the show and on ITV’s roster of daytime programs “are extremely engaged and very motivated.”
She was responding to a barrage of questions relating to toxicity on This Morning since former host Schofield resigned in disgrace after admitting he had an affair with a much younger runner over a period of years. The runner is not being named but referred to as Person X.
“We do not recognise a toxic culture at This Morning,” said McCall. “[The accusations] deeply disappoints me.”
McCall said she has had two complaints about issues of toxicity on This Morning during her ITV stint, one of which was private and the other publicly disclosed by former contributor Ranj Singh,...
The CEO said she has “tangible evidence” that the vast majority of people working on the show and on ITV’s roster of daytime programs “are extremely engaged and very motivated.”
She was responding to a barrage of questions relating to toxicity on This Morning since former host Schofield resigned in disgrace after admitting he had an affair with a much younger runner over a period of years. The runner is not being named but referred to as Person X.
“We do not recognise a toxic culture at This Morning,” said McCall. “[The accusations] deeply disappoints me.”
McCall said she has had two complaints about issues of toxicity on This Morning during her ITV stint, one of which was private and the other publicly disclosed by former contributor Ranj Singh,...
- 6/14/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
ITV boss Carolyn McCall has said “no evidence” was brought to her and her team during Phillip Schofield’s affair with a much younger runner as she indicated the relationship was “deeply inappropriate.”
Appearing in front of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee (Cmsc) this morning, McCall said “we had no legal reason to go any further” with informal investigations into the years-long rumors of the affair between the former This Morning host and a runner, who is being referred to as Person X.
“We had no legal reason to go any further and if we had a reason then we would have done a formal investigation,” she said. “It’s not in our interest in any way not to investigate anything that we know has evidence to support it.”
A number of former presenters such as Piers Morgan and Eamonn Holmes have come out publicly since Schofield resigned in...
Appearing in front of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee (Cmsc) this morning, McCall said “we had no legal reason to go any further” with informal investigations into the years-long rumors of the affair between the former This Morning host and a runner, who is being referred to as Person X.
“We had no legal reason to go any further and if we had a reason then we would have done a formal investigation,” she said. “It’s not in our interest in any way not to investigate anything that we know has evidence to support it.”
A number of former presenters such as Piers Morgan and Eamonn Holmes have come out publicly since Schofield resigned in...
- 6/14/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
A relationship between a former top host and a younger colleague was “deeply inappropriate,” ITV CEO Carolyn McCall told the British parliament on Wednesday. The topic was Phillip Schofield, who recently had to resign from his role as co-host of U.K. TV giant ITV’s morning show This Morning after lying about an affair with a much younger production assistant.
“The imbalance of power (between the two men) … makes it deeply inappropriate,” she said. Asked about comments from various people in recent weeks that many at ITV knew about the affair, McCall emphasized that there were indeed rumors, but noone ever delivered evidence of it to management. Asked about some people’s assertion that the relationship was widely known, she replied: “If they knew, why didn’t they say?”
The company went through a review, in which Schofield repeatedly denied an affair, but without evidence, it never started a formal investigation,...
“The imbalance of power (between the two men) … makes it deeply inappropriate,” she said. Asked about comments from various people in recent weeks that many at ITV knew about the affair, McCall emphasized that there were indeed rumors, but noone ever delivered evidence of it to management. Asked about some people’s assertion that the relationship was widely known, she replied: “If they knew, why didn’t they say?”
The company went through a review, in which Schofield repeatedly denied an affair, but without evidence, it never started a formal investigation,...
- 6/14/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
ITV boss Carolyn McCall said former “This Morning” anchor Phillip Schofield’s relationship with a young runner on this show was “deeply inappropriate” due to the “imbalance of power.”
McCall was appearing before a U.K. Culture Media and Sport Committee (Cms) parliamentary inquiry on the working culture and duty of care at ITV following the controversy around Schofield and his time on the long-running daytime show.
McCall was joined by ITV’s MD for media and entertainment Kevin Lygo and general counsel Kyla Mullins.
Mullins detailed the company’s investigation of Schofield’s affair, telling the Cms committee the runner – who is being referred to during proceedings as “Person X” – was asked by ITV 12 times about his relationship with Schofield and denied it each time. She said Schofield also repeatedly denied the claims until he resigned last month.
“We asked multiple times of both individuals both formally and informally,...
McCall was appearing before a U.K. Culture Media and Sport Committee (Cms) parliamentary inquiry on the working culture and duty of care at ITV following the controversy around Schofield and his time on the long-running daytime show.
McCall was joined by ITV’s MD for media and entertainment Kevin Lygo and general counsel Kyla Mullins.
Mullins detailed the company’s investigation of Schofield’s affair, telling the Cms committee the runner – who is being referred to during proceedings as “Person X” – was asked by ITV 12 times about his relationship with Schofield and denied it each time. She said Schofield also repeatedly denied the claims until he resigned last month.
“We asked multiple times of both individuals both formally and informally,...
- 6/14/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
“Imbalances of power are dangerous and we care about them,” BBC Director General Tim Davie said today, as he was questioned on the Phillip Schofield debate and accusations of toxicity on This Morning.
Speaking to the influential Culture, Media & Sport Committee (Cmsc), Davie acknowledged there are “imbalances” in the “strange TV industry, where you have people earning talent salaries verses producer salaries.”
“Your concerns are well placed,” he told Committee Chair Caroline Dinenage. “Imbalances of power are dangerous and we care about them. Culturally I am very direct about that not being something I want to see at this organization.”
Davie said he speaks from experience. As Acting Director General 10 years ago, he shepherded the BBC through the first few months of the Jimmy Savile scandal. More recently, he has appointed an independent Kc to probe the conduct of former Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood following accusations about misconduct taking...
Speaking to the influential Culture, Media & Sport Committee (Cmsc), Davie acknowledged there are “imbalances” in the “strange TV industry, where you have people earning talent salaries verses producer salaries.”
“Your concerns are well placed,” he told Committee Chair Caroline Dinenage. “Imbalances of power are dangerous and we care about them. Culturally I am very direct about that not being something I want to see at this organization.”
Davie said he speaks from experience. As Acting Director General 10 years ago, he shepherded the BBC through the first few months of the Jimmy Savile scandal. More recently, he has appointed an independent Kc to probe the conduct of former Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood following accusations about misconduct taking...
- 6/13/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Embattled daytime show “This Morning” is advertising for a new producer.
The job, which pays £40,000 to £50,000 per year, is unrelated to the recent fall-out from the Phillip Schofield scandal. “It’s to replace someone who was promoted and has been live for some weeks,” says a source.
ITV is looking for a producer who “thrives on the buzz” of live television and has an “abundance of ideas” to support anchor Holly Willoughby and guest hosts including Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond, according to the job description, which is currently live on LinkedIn.
“This Morning” was rocked by the resignation of Willoughby’s longtime co-host Phillip Schofield last month, following tension between the two anchors. Schofield subsequently revealed that he had had an affair with a young runner on the show, whom he’d known since the runner was a teenager.
In the ensuing fall-out, ITV boss Carolyn McCall has been...
The job, which pays £40,000 to £50,000 per year, is unrelated to the recent fall-out from the Phillip Schofield scandal. “It’s to replace someone who was promoted and has been live for some weeks,” says a source.
ITV is looking for a producer who “thrives on the buzz” of live television and has an “abundance of ideas” to support anchor Holly Willoughby and guest hosts including Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond, according to the job description, which is currently live on LinkedIn.
“This Morning” was rocked by the resignation of Willoughby’s longtime co-host Phillip Schofield last month, following tension between the two anchors. Schofield subsequently revealed that he had had an affair with a young runner on the show, whom he’d known since the runner was a teenager.
In the ensuing fall-out, ITV boss Carolyn McCall has been...
- 6/8/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Some entertaining moments can’t hide the fact that this latest product of the DC Comics universe doesn’t exactly fly past
Consensus on the cancellation-threshold is as far away as ever: Phillip Schofield languishes in disgrace while Ezra Miller stars in a $190m movie despite a record of toxic and erratic behaviour involving the police and the courts. It has been a bizarre string of events, in the course of which reports suggested at one stage Miller’s arresting officer contritely explained to the suspect why he had not used their correct non-binary pronouns.
It might conceivably have been interesting to report that Miller brought this dark chaos to the new superhero film from the DC Extended Universe, playing the Flash, otherwise Barry Allen, endowed with superspeed and part of the Justice League, and in his human persona battling to get his father off the wrongful charge of murdering his mother.
Consensus on the cancellation-threshold is as far away as ever: Phillip Schofield languishes in disgrace while Ezra Miller stars in a $190m movie despite a record of toxic and erratic behaviour involving the police and the courts. It has been a bizarre string of events, in the course of which reports suggested at one stage Miller’s arresting officer contritely explained to the suspect why he had not used their correct non-binary pronouns.
It might conceivably have been interesting to report that Miller brought this dark chaos to the new superhero film from the DC Extended Universe, playing the Flash, otherwise Barry Allen, endowed with superspeed and part of the Justice League, and in his human persona battling to get his father off the wrongful charge of murdering his mother.
- 6/6/2023
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
A U.K. parliamentary inquiry that convened to gather evidence for the upcoming media bill pulled no punches, with top TV executives being probed on Tuesday.
Though the proceedings began with the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee chair Caroline Dinenage stating that the session was not about the “widely reported issues” at ITV show “This Morning,” committee members ploughed on nevertheless. (ITV CEO Carolyn McCall has been called to give evidence to the committee next week over an affair between former ITV anchor Phillip Schofield and a young employee.)
Appearing before the committee, Magnus Brooke, group director of strategy, policy and regulation at ITV, was asked about the duty of care that the editorial team and senior managers provide to staff, especially young staff, at “This Morning” and ITV in general. In response, Brooke said: “There’s a very sophisticated and significant system of safeguarding and duty of care at ITV,...
Though the proceedings began with the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee chair Caroline Dinenage stating that the session was not about the “widely reported issues” at ITV show “This Morning,” committee members ploughed on nevertheless. (ITV CEO Carolyn McCall has been called to give evidence to the committee next week over an affair between former ITV anchor Phillip Schofield and a young employee.)
Appearing before the committee, Magnus Brooke, group director of strategy, policy and regulation at ITV, was asked about the duty of care that the editorial team and senior managers provide to staff, especially young staff, at “This Morning” and ITV in general. In response, Brooke said: “There’s a very sophisticated and significant system of safeguarding and duty of care at ITV,...
- 6/6/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Martin Frizell, the Editor of embattled ITV daytime show This Morning, has been rebuked by his employer for “extremely ill-judged” remarks about eggplants when questioned over the Phillip Schofield scandal.
Magnus Brooke, ITV’s Director of Strategy, Policy and Regulation, said the commercial broadcaster would not endorse comments made by Frizell to a journalist on Monday.
Frizell was questioned on his doorstep by a Sky News reporter about allegations of a toxic work environment on This Morning. “I tell you what’s toxic,” he replied. “[What] I’ve always found toxic is aubergine. Do you like aubergine?”
'Do you like aubergine?'
This Morning editor Martin Frizell responded to questions about the show earlier with comments about aubergineshttps://t.co/UczuL0TH9Q pic.twitter.com/quB9t95BME
— Sky News (@SkyNews) June 5, 2023
Brooke was asked about the incident during an evidence session held by UK Parliament’s influential Culture, Media,...
Magnus Brooke, ITV’s Director of Strategy, Policy and Regulation, said the commercial broadcaster would not endorse comments made by Frizell to a journalist on Monday.
Frizell was questioned on his doorstep by a Sky News reporter about allegations of a toxic work environment on This Morning. “I tell you what’s toxic,” he replied. “[What] I’ve always found toxic is aubergine. Do you like aubergine?”
'Do you like aubergine?'
This Morning editor Martin Frizell responded to questions about the show earlier with comments about aubergineshttps://t.co/UczuL0TH9Q pic.twitter.com/quB9t95BME
— Sky News (@SkyNews) June 5, 2023
Brooke was asked about the incident during an evidence session held by UK Parliament’s influential Culture, Media,...
- 6/6/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Holly Willoughby made an emotional return to This Morning on Monday, opening the show with a monologue in which she said she was “shaken, troubled, let down” by co-host Phillip Schofield.
In her first on-air comments about the scandal that has engulfed ITV’s iconic daytime show, Willougby spoke with a cracked voice and had to be comforted by her co-presenter Josie Gibson after delivering her minute-long address to viewers.
“Feels very strange indeed sitting here without Phil,” she said of her long-time friend, who stepped down from This Morning last month and later admitted to having a sexual relationship with a young male runner.
A message to you, from Holly. pic.twitter.com/TwiqxbSwSn
— This Morning (@thismorning) June 5, 2023
She added: “I imagine that you might have been feeling a lot like I have: shaken, troubled, let down. Worried for the wellbeing of people on all sides of what’s...
In her first on-air comments about the scandal that has engulfed ITV’s iconic daytime show, Willougby spoke with a cracked voice and had to be comforted by her co-presenter Josie Gibson after delivering her minute-long address to viewers.
“Feels very strange indeed sitting here without Phil,” she said of her long-time friend, who stepped down from This Morning last month and later admitted to having a sexual relationship with a young male runner.
A message to you, from Holly. pic.twitter.com/TwiqxbSwSn
— This Morning (@thismorning) June 5, 2023
She added: “I imagine that you might have been feeling a lot like I have: shaken, troubled, let down. Worried for the wellbeing of people on all sides of what’s...
- 6/5/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
“This Morning” anchor Holly Willoughby has returned to the show after a two-week absence following the resignation of her long-time co-host Phillip Schofield.
She was joined by guest anchor Josie Gibson.
Willoughby began the show by addressing the controversy that has been swirling over the last few weeks, ever since Schofield, who is married with two children, admitted he had had an affair with a young “This Morning” employee.
“Firstly, are you Ok? I hope so,” Willoughby told viewers. “It feels very strange indeed sitting here without Phil. And I imagine you might be feeling a lot like I have: shaken, troubled, let down. Worried for the wellbeing on all sides of what’s been going up. And full of questions. You, me and all of us at ‘This Morning’ gave our love and support to someone who was not telling the truth, who acted in a way that they...
She was joined by guest anchor Josie Gibson.
Willoughby began the show by addressing the controversy that has been swirling over the last few weeks, ever since Schofield, who is married with two children, admitted he had had an affair with a young “This Morning” employee.
“Firstly, are you Ok? I hope so,” Willoughby told viewers. “It feels very strange indeed sitting here without Phil. And I imagine you might be feeling a lot like I have: shaken, troubled, let down. Worried for the wellbeing on all sides of what’s been going up. And full of questions. You, me and all of us at ‘This Morning’ gave our love and support to someone who was not telling the truth, who acted in a way that they...
- 6/5/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Disgraced British TV presenter Phillip Schofield has spent another week in the headlines, following his departure from ITV’s flagship daytime show This Morning and his admission that he had a secret relationship with a runner on the show 40 years his junior.
He’ll be relieved to read the words of fellow presenter Jeremy Clarkson, who has written in defence of the fallen star in this week’s Sunday Times.
Clarkson, who has endured his own share of bad headlines and in Xx departed from hit BBC motoring show Top Gear after a physical altercation with a producer, wrote:
“We casually roll our eyes when we hear that Leonardo DiCaprio’s new girlfriend is three and we even nod appreciatively when we learn that the age gap between Al Pacino and his pregnant girlfriend is 54 years. Which means that when he was starring as an old man in Scent of a Woman,...
He’ll be relieved to read the words of fellow presenter Jeremy Clarkson, who has written in defence of the fallen star in this week’s Sunday Times.
Clarkson, who has endured his own share of bad headlines and in Xx departed from hit BBC motoring show Top Gear after a physical altercation with a producer, wrote:
“We casually roll our eyes when we hear that Leonardo DiCaprio’s new girlfriend is three and we even nod appreciatively when we learn that the age gap between Al Pacino and his pregnant girlfriend is 54 years. Which means that when he was starring as an old man in Scent of a Woman,...
- 6/4/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Good afternoon Insiders, Max Goldbart here bringing you a rundown of all the biggest headlines and analysis from the international film and TV universe. Read on.
Bad Week For ITV Carolyn McCall and Phillip Schofield
Abuse of power?: Anyone at ITV who thought the Phillip Schofield drama would all blow over quickly was living in dreamland. Late last Friday afternoon, just as we were all putting down our pens for the Bank Holiday weekend, the man who had just left This Morning in a hurry after two decades on the sofa used a lengthy mea culpa to confirm what so many had believed to be a rumor for so many years – that he had had an affair with a much younger colleague during his lengthy stint on the daytime stalwart. Media eyes had already been trained on This Morning and Schofield’s public-not-public spat with former co-host Holly Willoughby...
Bad Week For ITV Carolyn McCall and Phillip Schofield
Abuse of power?: Anyone at ITV who thought the Phillip Schofield drama would all blow over quickly was living in dreamland. Late last Friday afternoon, just as we were all putting down our pens for the Bank Holiday weekend, the man who had just left This Morning in a hurry after two decades on the sofa used a lengthy mea culpa to confirm what so many had believed to be a rumor for so many years – that he had had an affair with a much younger colleague during his lengthy stint on the daytime stalwart. Media eyes had already been trained on This Morning and Schofield’s public-not-public spat with former co-host Holly Willoughby...
- 6/2/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
“I did something very wrong, and then I lied about it consistently.” This is how Phillip Schofield, who recently had to resign from his role as co-host of U.K. TV giant ITV’s morning show This Morning, apologized for an affair with a much younger production assistant during a BBC interview that made headlines and waves Friday.
Asked about concerns that he may have groomed the young colleague, Schofield highlighted that he understood worries that he had abused his position of power, but emphasized that it “didn’t feel like that at the time.” Schofield, 61, also shared that he was “massively” concerned about the young man’s welfare, saying: “What he wants is for all this to go away.”
In May, the TV veteran admitted to having a relationship with a young employee before he had publicly come out as gay in 2020 and separated from his wife. Schofield had first met the young man,...
Asked about concerns that he may have groomed the young colleague, Schofield highlighted that he understood worries that he had abused his position of power, but emphasized that it “didn’t feel like that at the time.” Schofield, 61, also shared that he was “massively” concerned about the young man’s welfare, saying: “What he wants is for all this to go away.”
In May, the TV veteran admitted to having a relationship with a young employee before he had publicly come out as gay in 2020 and separated from his wife. Schofield had first met the young man,...
- 6/2/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In a shock tell-all interview just days after resigning from ITV’s This Morning, Phillip Schofield has said he did not “abuse his power” when having an affair with a much younger runner, and that he “sees nothing ahead but blackness.”
Speaking to BBC host Amol Rajan, the visibly shaken former host said he has been feeling suicidal over the past few days and “understands how Caroline Flack felt,” referring to the former Love Island presenter who died by suicide in 2020.
“Last week, if my daughters hadn’t been there, I wouldn’t be here,” said Schofield. “They’ve been by my side every moment because they’re scared to let me out of their sight. It’s like a weird numbness. I know that’s a selfish point of view but you come to a point where you just think how much are you supposed to take.”
Schofield also...
Speaking to BBC host Amol Rajan, the visibly shaken former host said he has been feeling suicidal over the past few days and “understands how Caroline Flack felt,” referring to the former Love Island presenter who died by suicide in 2020.
“Last week, if my daughters hadn’t been there, I wouldn’t be here,” said Schofield. “They’ve been by my side every moment because they’re scared to let me out of their sight. It’s like a weird numbness. I know that’s a selfish point of view but you come to a point where you just think how much are you supposed to take.”
Schofield also...
- 6/2/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Embattled ITV anchor Phillip Schofield – who dramatically quit the network last Saturday after admitting to an affair with a young employee on his show – has said he “did not” groom the Pa in his first interview about the scandal.
Schofield, who spent two decades as the lead anchor on ITV’s daytime show “This Morning,” maintains that the relationship didn’t begin until the young man (whom Variety has agreed not to name at his request) was legally an adult. The man first began working on ITV show “This Morning” as an intern at the age of 19 (reportedly securing the internship with Schofield’s assistance) and was hired as a runner/Pa the following year.
Asked directly about claims he groomed the Pa, who reportedly first met Schofield when he was just 15 years old, the anchor replied: “I did not. I did not. I mean there are accusations of all sorts of things.
Schofield, who spent two decades as the lead anchor on ITV’s daytime show “This Morning,” maintains that the relationship didn’t begin until the young man (whom Variety has agreed not to name at his request) was legally an adult. The man first began working on ITV show “This Morning” as an intern at the age of 19 (reportedly securing the internship with Schofield’s assistance) and was hired as a runner/Pa the following year.
Asked directly about claims he groomed the Pa, who reportedly first met Schofield when he was just 15 years old, the anchor replied: “I did not. I did not. I mean there are accusations of all sorts of things.
- 6/1/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
ITV boss Carolyn McCall will face a grilling from the UK’s influential Culture, Media and Sport Committee (Cms) next week over the Phillip Schofield scandal.
McCall will appear on Wednesday to discuss “fundamental issues about safeguarding and complaint handling both at ITV and more widely across the media,” raised by Schofield’s exit.
McCall will appear in front of the committee one day after ITV policy boss Magnus Brooke, who will use a separate session to discuss the upcoming Media Bill, which was planned prior to Schofield’s departure and the ensuing fallout.
The CEO’s summons comes a day after ITV revealed it had hired an external lawyer to “establish the facts” over Schofield and This Morning. McCall then wrote to Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, Ofcom boss Melanie Dawes and Cms Committee Chair Caroline Dinenage to clarify “inaccuracy in the reporting” of the Schofield saga. Schofield departed the...
McCall will appear on Wednesday to discuss “fundamental issues about safeguarding and complaint handling both at ITV and more widely across the media,” raised by Schofield’s exit.
McCall will appear in front of the committee one day after ITV policy boss Magnus Brooke, who will use a separate session to discuss the upcoming Media Bill, which was planned prior to Schofield’s departure and the ensuing fallout.
The CEO’s summons comes a day after ITV revealed it had hired an external lawyer to “establish the facts” over Schofield and This Morning. McCall then wrote to Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, Ofcom boss Melanie Dawes and Cms Committee Chair Caroline Dinenage to clarify “inaccuracy in the reporting” of the Schofield saga. Schofield departed the...
- 6/1/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
ITV CEO Carolyn McCall has been called to give evidence to the Parliamentary committee for Culture, Media and Sport (Cms) over an affair between former ITV anchor Phillip Schofield and a young employee.
Caroline Dinenage, chair of the Cms Committee, requested McCall’s presence in a letter published today (June 1) in which she said Schofield’s affair – which he dramatically admitted in a statement to the Daily Mail last Saturday – raises “fundamental issues about safeguarding and complaint handling both at ITV and more widely across the media.”
On Saturday, after years of rumors, Schofield admitted to having a relationship with a young runner on “This Morning,” the show he had anchored for over twenty years. Schofield, who said the affair was “unwise but not illegal,” was immediately dropped by his agency following the admission. The anchor also parted ways with ITV.
Yesterday, McCall wrote to Dinenage, Culture secretary Lucy Frazer and Melanie Dawes,...
Caroline Dinenage, chair of the Cms Committee, requested McCall’s presence in a letter published today (June 1) in which she said Schofield’s affair – which he dramatically admitted in a statement to the Daily Mail last Saturday – raises “fundamental issues about safeguarding and complaint handling both at ITV and more widely across the media.”
On Saturday, after years of rumors, Schofield admitted to having a relationship with a young runner on “This Morning,” the show he had anchored for over twenty years. Schofield, who said the affair was “unwise but not illegal,” was immediately dropped by his agency following the admission. The anchor also parted ways with ITV.
Yesterday, McCall wrote to Dinenage, Culture secretary Lucy Frazer and Melanie Dawes,...
- 6/1/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
As U.K. network ITV launches an external review into the circumstances surrounding “This Morning” anchor Phillip Schofield’s “unwise but not illegal” relationship with a young employee, many are wondering how the long-time host – a staple of British daytime television – went from ITV golden boy to Tellyland exile in a matter of weeks.
It’s a storyline that could have been ripped from Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon’s Apple TV+ hit “The Morning Show.” An older male anchor handpicks a glamorous, younger and – according to unkind whispers – malleable blonde to be his co-host after falling out with her predecessor.
Fifteen years later the young blonde (reportedly) turns on him, ousting him from the show following a string of scandals that were beginning to taint her brand. But her victory may be short-lived as the married male anchor drops the bombshell that he had an affair with a young...
It’s a storyline that could have been ripped from Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon’s Apple TV+ hit “The Morning Show.” An older male anchor handpicks a glamorous, younger and – according to unkind whispers – malleable blonde to be his co-host after falling out with her predecessor.
Fifteen years later the young blonde (reportedly) turns on him, ousting him from the show following a string of scandals that were beginning to taint her brand. But her victory may be short-lived as the married male anchor drops the bombshell that he had an affair with a young...
- 5/31/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
ITV has instructed a lawyer to carry out a review of the facts surrounding Phillip Schofield’s relationship with a younger colleague following his exit from This Morning.
As ITV attempts to get a grip on a scandal that has dominated UK newspaper front pages for more than a week, employees were told about the review on Wednesday by Chief People Officer David Osborn.
In an email, seen by Deadline, Osborn said ITV wants to “establish the facts” and consider where it can improve its processes. He said the work would be carried out “as quickly as possible.”
Separately, ITV CEO Carolyn McCall wrote to ministers to say that barrister Jane Mulcahy Kc “will review our records and talk to people involved.”
ITV ordered the review after Schofield confessed to his relationship with a young member of the This Morning team following years of concealing and lying about their tryst.
As ITV attempts to get a grip on a scandal that has dominated UK newspaper front pages for more than a week, employees were told about the review on Wednesday by Chief People Officer David Osborn.
In an email, seen by Deadline, Osborn said ITV wants to “establish the facts” and consider where it can improve its processes. He said the work would be carried out “as quickly as possible.”
Separately, ITV CEO Carolyn McCall wrote to ministers to say that barrister Jane Mulcahy Kc “will review our records and talk to people involved.”
ITV ordered the review after Schofield confessed to his relationship with a young member of the This Morning team following years of concealing and lying about their tryst.
- 5/31/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Back in February 2020, Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes, the married couple who on Fridays presented long-running British morning magazine show This Morning, were the first to hug co-presenter Phillip Schofield live on air after he came out as gay to viewers, with the support of his co-presenter Holly Willoughby, all pictured.
Three years later and it’s a very different story, with Holmes blasting Schofield on social media, calling him “delusional” for claiming there to be no toxicity behind the scenes of ITV’s most important daytime show.
The ping-pong of conflicting accounts has been keeping entertainment journalists in the UK busy since Friday May 12, when Schofield stepped down from his role as the program’s lead presenter after 21 years at the helm. At the time, a rumored broken friendship with Willoughby was commonly cited as the reason, with ITV bosses praising him and saying he would continue to host other shows on the channel.
Three years later and it’s a very different story, with Holmes blasting Schofield on social media, calling him “delusional” for claiming there to be no toxicity behind the scenes of ITV’s most important daytime show.
The ping-pong of conflicting accounts has been keeping entertainment journalists in the UK busy since Friday May 12, when Schofield stepped down from his role as the program’s lead presenter after 21 years at the helm. At the time, a rumored broken friendship with Willoughby was commonly cited as the reason, with ITV bosses praising him and saying he would continue to host other shows on the channel.
- 5/29/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Under fire UK presenter Phillip Schofield has been ditched by his agency of 35 years, Ymu, on the same day he has admitted to having an extra-marital affair with a younger ITV employee.
The UK TV evergreen issued a lengthy apology — which you can read below — via UK publication The Daily Mail. In the apology, he said he wouldn’t be working with broadcaster ITV in the near future or hosting an upcoming awards ceremony.
Mary Bekhait, the Group CEO of Ymu Group, said today: “Honesty and integrity are core values for Ymu’s whole business, defining everything we do. Talent management is a relationship based entirely on trust.
She continued: “This week, we have learned important new information about our client Phillip Schofield. These facts contradicted what Phillip had previously told Ymu, as well as
the external advisors we had brought in to support him. As a result, on Thursday...
The UK TV evergreen issued a lengthy apology — which you can read below — via UK publication The Daily Mail. In the apology, he said he wouldn’t be working with broadcaster ITV in the near future or hosting an upcoming awards ceremony.
Mary Bekhait, the Group CEO of Ymu Group, said today: “Honesty and integrity are core values for Ymu’s whole business, defining everything we do. Talent management is a relationship based entirely on trust.
She continued: “This week, we have learned important new information about our client Phillip Schofield. These facts contradicted what Phillip had previously told Ymu, as well as
the external advisors we had brought in to support him. As a result, on Thursday...
- 5/26/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated: ITV presenter Phillip Schofield has been dropped by his agents at Ymu Group.
The parting of ways with Ymu comes as Schofield confirmed to the Daily Mail that he had an affair with a younger male staffer at ITV while he was still married. (The presenter came out as gay in February 2020 and is now estranged from his wife.) He has now resigned from ITV “with immediate effect” and has also pulled out of hosting the British Soap Awards in June.
In a lengthy statement, Schofield said: “Contrary to speculation, whilst I met the man when he was a teenager and was asked to help him to get into television, it was only after he started to work on the show that it became more than just a friendship. That relationship was unwise, but not illegal. It is now over.”
Ymu confirmed to Variety on Friday that it has “parted company” with Schofield,...
The parting of ways with Ymu comes as Schofield confirmed to the Daily Mail that he had an affair with a younger male staffer at ITV while he was still married. (The presenter came out as gay in February 2020 and is now estranged from his wife.) He has now resigned from ITV “with immediate effect” and has also pulled out of hosting the British Soap Awards in June.
In a lengthy statement, Schofield said: “Contrary to speculation, whilst I met the man when he was a teenager and was asked to help him to get into television, it was only after he started to work on the show that it became more than just a friendship. That relationship was unwise, but not illegal. It is now over.”
Ymu confirmed to Variety on Friday that it has “parted company” with Schofield,...
- 5/26/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
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