ITV has appointed a barrister to conduct an external review into its handling of the Phillip Schofield saga.
Earlier this month the 61-year-old stepped down from hosting This Morning, admitting to having had an affair with a male colleague - aged in his 20s - several years prior.
Allegations of the relationship first surfaced in late 2019, but ITV has insisted that an investigation was launched at the time but dropped as both Schofield and the young man denied being involved with one another.
Numerous media outlets have raised questions about the timeline of events, however, including the circumstances surrounding the unnamed man's alleged "declaration of love" for Schofield at an event in 2020 which was followed by the presenter coming out as gay live on TV several days later.
In an email to staff today, ITV's "chief people officer" David Osborn wrote: "We have taken this matter extremely seriously and have reviewed how we have handled this issue, including how we investigated the rumours when they arose in late 2019/early 2020 when both parties were questioned and both categorically and repeatedly denied the rumours and subsequent follow ups.
"The relationships we have with those we work with are based on trust. Phillip made assurances to us and others which he now acknowledges were untrue and we feel badly let down.
"We believe the approach we have taken to be the right one taking into account all of the circumstances. Today we have set up an externally led review to establish the facts, review our records and talk to people involved. This work will also consider our relevant processes and policies and whether we need to change or strengthen any. This work will be carried out as quickly as possible and we will of course be happy to share the findings."
ITV has also been summoned by the DCMS select committee to answer questions on the matter next Tuesday, although chief executive Carolyn McCall has opted not to attend and will instead send along her "group strategic partnerships and distribution director" Martin Goswami.
Neil Wilkes
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