One of the longest-serving producers on ITV’s This Morning has quit amid concerns over alleged bullying and a ‘toxic’ culture.
Harry Bott had worked for a decade on the show, which is under external investigation after turmoil in which Phillip Schofield left over an affair with a young colleague.
Workmates were stunned when Mr Bott revealed his departure on Instagram beside a screenshot of a website story highlighting allegations of a ‘toxic culture, bullying and harassment’ on the programme.
American-born Mr Bott worked on the show – once the jewel in ITV’s crown – through much of the reign of Schofield and Holly Willoughby, who quit last month after an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her.
A This Morning source said: ‘Harry was quite the stalwart and took his role very seriously. It has been pretty gruelling to be a member of the production team for the last year or so but things were still tough before that.’
His resignation follows the inquiry into Schofield’s affair, and the alleged toxic culture, being pushed back by two months. Lawyer Jane Mulcahy, who leads the investigation, is now due to deliver her report this month.
Harry Bott, pictured with This Morning presenter Josie Gibson, had worked for a decade on the show
The show is currently under external investigation after turmoil in which Phillip Schofield left over an affair with a young colleague
One worker said: ‘Staff want to move on from a nightmare that’s been hanging over the show since May when Schofield quit. There’s been turmoil behind the scenes, tears and down-in-the-mouth people. The show needs a new start but it’s impossible while the investigation hangs over us.’
The Mail on Sunday revealed Schofield, 61, was having an affair with the runner on the show. He later apologised for lying about that. He quit after 21 years but Holly, 42, had planned to stay – then resigned last month after learning of the alleged plot. She is set to be replaced tomorrow by Cat Deeley, 47, who has hosted US competition So You Think You Can Dance since 2006.
ITV said: ‘We are unable to comment on the details of any specific employment-related matters.’
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