ITV Boss Denies Ignoring Schofield Affair, Focuses on Toxic Workplace Culture

The ITV boss has denied that the company turned a blind eye to Phillip Schofield's affair with a junior colleague, saying that they would have taken action if they had been presented with evidence instead of "rumours".

Schofield and the colleague repeatedly denied the relationship until Schofield's shock admission in May, and both men were questioned on 12 occasions.

The ITV bosses also faced questions about a "toxic" environment on their daytime shows, including allegations of abuse and bullying on The X Factor.

The hearing was called after Schofield resigned from ITV and admitted to the "unwise but not illegal" affair with the colleague, who was 20 at the time.

The presenter was subsequently dropped by his talent agency.

Schofield has been receiving counselling since his exit from the show and there is no gagging order or NDA to stop the colleague from speaking out.

The UK Parliament's Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee is conducting a review of ITV due to concerns about its corporate culture.

The review is expected to be completed by the end of September.

The committee wants to ensure that ITV's culture is not damaging the lives or careers of those working there, and ITV takes all allegations about its culture seriously.