This Mornings most controversial moments from ‘queue-gate’ to ‘toxic’ feuds

Phillip Schofield’s This Morning departure addressed by hosts

This Morning has been a staple in British daytime television as it’s been keeping the nation entertained since its first debut in 1988.

Originally fronted by Richard Madeley and wife Judy Finnigan for 13 years, the ITV programme has seen a string of presenters host the show across the decades.

Over the years, there have been the likes of Coleen Nolan and Twiggy, Caron Keating and Ross Kelly, Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes as well as Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.

However, it’s safe to say the popular show has faced its fair share of backlash throughout the years and has found itself at the centre of some top scandals.

With This Morning celebrating its 35th anniversary, Express.co.uk has taken a look back at some of the most controversial moments throughout the years.

Queue-gate

Last year, the nation mourned the loss of Queen Elizabeth II as many queued for hours to see Her Majesty lying in state at Westminster.

However, presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield faced a wave of backlash from the public when they were accused of skipping the queue by using their celebrity status.

With calls for the duo to be axed, a petition reached almost 79,000 signatures demanding the presenters step down from their roles.

As the outrage escalated, they were forced to address the controversy in a pre-recorded clip where they shed some clarity on the situation.

Holly explained they were given official permission to access the hall along with other press.

ITV released an official statement which said: “This Morning had press accreditation and like other media, Phillip and Holly were escorted to work from the press gallery by government staff.

“They did not file past The Queen’s coffin. They were there alongside a host of other broadcasters and national press outlets for an item that will be broadcast on Tuesday’s show. Any allegations of improper behaviour are categorically untrue.”

Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes exit

This Morning’s husband and wife duo Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford were part of the ITV show for 15 years before leaving in 2020.

Although their Friday shows became a fan-favourite, people were shocked to learn they were being replaced by Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary.

After their exit, Eamonn claimed he had no idea why bosses decided to let them both go, however, reports claimed it was because he was “too male, pale and stale”.

Commenting on the situation in his column, he said: “The remarks hurt me a little, but they also ignited a fire in my belly.

“’We’ll see about that,’ I thought to myself. I have since joined GB News, a channel at the start of an exciting journey, and the move has only underlined to me that there are still so many more exciting things to do and achieve.”

“Male, stale and pale? Forget it. The best is yet to come.”

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Phillip Schofield’s affair

In May this year, Phillip Schofield decided to step down from his long-standing role at ITV.

Although there had been claims of a backstage rift between himself and former best friend Holly, the 61-year-old confessed to having an affair with a younger male colleague.

Calling the affair “unwise but not illegal”, the presenter admitted to lying about the relationship with the colleague to those at the broadcaster when approached.

In a statement at the time, Phillip 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.”

Responding to the affair, ITV said: “We are deeply disappointed by the admissions of deceit made tonight by Phillip Schofield. The relationships we have with those we work with are based on trust.  

“Phillip made assurances to us which he now acknowledges were untrue and we feel badly let down. We accept his resignation from ITV and therefore can confirm that he will not be appearing on ITV as had previously been stated.”

Since his exit, host co-host Holly has presented alongside the likes of Josie Gibson, Ben Shephard and Craig Doyle.

David Cameron ‘ambush’

In 2012, former Prime Minister David Cameron was taken aback when Phillip Schofield presented him with a list of alleged paedophiles during a live interview.

It came as the Tory leader was being asked about historical claims of a paedophile ring which was linked to those at No 10.

However, when Phillip handed him the list, some of the names were able to be seen by viewers.

After the interview, Phillip was forced to apologise for his actions as he said in a statement: “If any viewer was able to identify anyone listed, I would like to apologise and stress that was never my intention.”

Speaking about the incident at a separate event, the former prime minister said it was not sensible nor right for Phillip to have done that.

Toxic claims

Following Phillip’s exit, This Morning has been hit with a string of allegations surrounding a toxic working environment, bullying and discrimination.

Discussion of a toxic environment first arose when Doctor Ranj Singh, who worked on the ITV show for 10 years, started to grow concerned about how people were being treated.

Voicing his issues to those higher up, Ranj claimed he then started to be used less frequently on This Morning.

In a statement, he wrote: “I even took my concerns directly to the top of ITV: the culture at This Morning had become toxic, no longer aligned with ITV values, and I felt like because I whistle-blew I was managed out.

“But as history and experience have taught us, things like bullying and discrimination are very hard to prove, particularly in hindsight and when the ‘people in power’ control the narrative.

“Still, I was assured that certain things were going to be addressed and changes made. I haven’t worked on the show since… and I’m not the only one who has spoken up or experienced something similar.”

However, a series of people who have worked on the show have disputed claims of toxicity with Dermot speaking about the situation live on air.

He said: “We all know we happen to be in the news at the moment and of course, we appreciate that but just from both of us, the whole team here, the crew, the guys downstairs, we love making this show for all of you.”

This Morning airs on weekdays at 10am on ITV and ITVX. 

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