This Morning hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard encountered significant social media criticism following their interview with a Coldplay concert attendee who gained viral attention for declining to participate in a kiss cam moment with a stranger. Critics accused the presenting duo of insensitive questioning and demonstrating poor editorial judgment during the segment, which aired on the ITV daytime program. The backlash represents another controversy for the show, which has faced mounting scrutiny over workplace culture and programming decisions in recent months, with broader implications for the program’s ongoing reputation management efforts.
ITV’s flagship daytime program “This Morning” has encountered unprecedented public criticism and industry scrutiny following a series of high-profile controversies that culminated in the departure of longtime host Phillip Schofield after 21 years, amid allegations of workplace misconduct and dishonesty.
ITV’s This Morning faces unprecedented scrutiny following Phillip Schofield’s controversial departure after allegations of workplace misconduct and dishonesty.
The program’s reputation suffered significant damage when co-host Holly Willoughby publicly expressed feeling “shaken, troubled and let down” by Schofield’s actions, marking a dramatic shift from the show’s previously celebrated on-screen chemistry.
The controversy intensified during the “Queuegate” incident, when public outrage erupted after the hosts bypassed the public queue to view Queen Elizabeth II’s lying in state, generating widespread social media criticism and online petitions demanding their dismissal.
This event highlighted growing public displeasure with the program’s perceived privileged treatment and disconnect from ordinary viewers’ experiences.
Multiple allegations of toxic workplace culture emerged following the host departures, prompting ITV to launch an external King’s Counsel review regarding workplace practices and incident handling procedures. Former Friday hosts Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes had initially shown support when they were the first to hug Schofield live on air after his coming out announcement in February 2020.
The network faced substantial reputational damage as conflicting accounts between former presenters circulated across social media platforms, with entertainment blogs and mainstream press labeling the show “British TV’s most toxic show.”
Executive producer Martin Frizell announced his resignation after 10 years amid the ongoing turbulence, citing changing family priorities while creating additional leadership instability for the program.
The consecutive departures of long-running anchors and key production staff left succession planning uncertain, further impacting the show’s editorial direction and on-screen dynamic. Following the crisis, ITV implemented new disclosure policies requiring all employees to declare romantic and personal relationships to prevent similar situations.
Commercial partnerships suffered notable setbacks as sponsors distanced themselves from the controversy.
Prince’s Trust withdrew its partnership with Schofield, deeming the connection “no longer appropriate,” while retail brand When in Rome discontinued sales of Schofield-branded wines.
Talent agency YMU dropped Schofield after 35 years, reflecting broader industry concerns about association with the embattled program.
The scandals triggered extensive discussions about ethics and toxicity within UK daytime television, prompting industry-wide calls for greater oversight in production environments.
Questions regarding the program’s future viability continue circulating as ITV manages declining viewership and damaged advertiser confidence while attempting to rebuild the flagship show’s tarnished brand reputation.
