One of ITV’s This Morning’s longest-serving producers has quit amid concerns about alleged bullying and a “toxic” culture.
Harry Bott had worked on the show for a decade, which is currently under external investigation after Phillip Schofield left an affair with a young colleague.
Work colleagues were stunned when Mr Bott announced his departure on Instagram alongside a screenshot of a website story that highlighted allegations of a “toxic culture, bullying and harassment” on the show.
US-born Mr Bott worked on the show – once the jewel in ITV’s crown – during much of the reign of Schofield and Holly Willoughby, who exited last month following an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her.
A This Morning source said: “Harry was pretty steadfast and took his role very seriously.” “It’s been quite stressful being a member of the production team for the last year or so, but before that it was still difficult.”
His resignation comes after the investigation into the Schofield affair and alleged toxic culture was postponed for two months. Lawyer Jane Mulcahy, who is leading the investigation, is now due to submit her report this month.
Harry Bott, pictured with This Morning presenter Josie Gibson, had worked on the show for a decade
The show is currently under external investigation following riots which left Phillip Schofield having an affair with a young colleague
One employee said: “Staff want to put behind them a nightmare that has loomed over the show since May, when Schofield walked out.” Behind the scenes there is turmoil, tears and dejection. “The show needs a fresh start, but that’s impossible while the investigation hangs over us.”
The Mail on Sunday revealed that Schofield, 61, had an affair with the runner on the show. He later apologized for lying about it. He quit after 21 years but Holly, 42, had planned to stay – and then resigned last month after learning of the alleged plot. She is due to be replaced tomorrow by Cat Deeley, 47, who has hosted the US competition So You Think You Can Dance since 2006.
ITV said: “We are unable to comment on specific employment-related matters.”