Phillip Schofield’s scandal causes trouble for other staff

Phillip Schofield, who had quit the show before departure of his long-time co-presenter Holly Willoughby, has unwillingly caused trouble for other staff with his scandal as ITV bosses have reportedly ordered the employees to disclose their relationships with colleagues.

This Morning staff have been ordered to tell the network about personal relationships with colleagues after the Schofield’s affair with his male colleague.

Schofield quit the show earlier this year after he revealed he had embarked on an “unwise but not illegal” affair with a younger male colleague. The presenter, who co-hosted This Morning with Willoughby for more than a decade, was also dropped by his talent agency.

The network has since updated its policy on relationships between co-workers, which had been in place since October 2022. It was reviewed and refreshed this month, a broadcaster has revealed in a statement.

“If a personal relationship exists between you and another colleague (whether it started prior to or during the course of your employment or engagement with ITV), both parties must disclose this to the company at the earliest opportunity,” says the document according to The Sunday Times.

It has also being claimed that those who don’t disclose their relationship if they have with anyone will face disciplinary action that could include losing their job.

It applies to freelancers, consultants, contractors and those on work experience. Whistleblowers have also been urged to report any concerns internally, the newspaper added. It comes after ITV chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall announced an external review of how the company handled Schofield’s affair.