One of the longest-serving producers of ITV’s This Morning has quit amid concerns over alleged bullying and a ‘toxic’ culture.
Harry Bott had spent ten years working on the show, which is currently under external investigation following unrest that left Phillip Schofield having an affair with a young colleague.
Colleagues were stunned when Mr Bott announced his departure on Instagram alongside a screenshot of a website story highlighting allegations of a “toxic culture, bullying and harassment” at the programme.
American-born Mr Bott worked on the show – once the jewel in ITV’s crown – during much of the reigns 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 firm and took his role very seriously. It was quite tough being part of the production team this past year, but it was still tough before that.”
His resignation follows the investigation into Schofield’s affair and alleged toxic culture, which was postponed by two months. Lawyer Jane Mulcahy, who is leading the investigation, is due to release her report this month.
Harry Bott, pictured with This Morning presenter Josie Gibson, had worked on the show for ten years
The show is currently under external investigation following unrest which saw Phillip Schofield abandon an affair with a young colleague
One staffer said: ‘Staff want to put an end to a nightmare that has hung over the show since May when Schofield quit. There is unrest behind the scenes, tears and dejected people. The show needs a fresh start, but that’s impossible with the investigation hanging over us.”
The Mail on Sunday revealed 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, planned to stay – and resigned last month after learning of the alleged plot. She will 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 the details of specific employment-related matters.’