Updated: 12.50pm
Broadcaster Eamonn Holmes has criticised Phillip Schofield's "delusional statement" on the environment at This Morning.
Earlier, Schofield (61) released a statement following his departure from the programme after confirming he had an affair with a younger man, claiming there is "no toxicity" at the ITV morning programme.
Schofield's comments came after resident doctor Dr Ranj Singh hit out at the show’s culture, saying he raised concerns about “bullying and discrimination” two years ago when he worked there and afterwards felt like he was “managed out” for whistleblowing.
In a statement on his Instagram story posted shortly before This Morning goes on air with Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond hosting, Schofield said: “Now I no longer work on @thismorning I am free to say this.
“I hope you have noticed that it’s the same handful of people with a grudge against me or the show who seem to have the loudest voice.
“This Morning is the best show to work on, with the best people.
“In all the years I worked there there was no toxicity.
“You can listen to those persistently loud voices if you like.
Schofield has just put out a delusional statement. Like Holly he puts it on Insta Stories so if it goes wrong there is no record after 24 hrs. I'm reluctant to give the liar any more publicity but believe me Pip if u r looking for a fight , u have picked on the wrong person !
— Eamonn Holmes OBE (@EamonnHolmes) May 29, 2023
“But the thousands of guests over the years, thousands of staff and crew, hundreds of presenters and contributors all know, it is a family of wonderful, talented, kind, hard working people.”
However, Holmes, who has been vocal in his criticism of Schofield over the matter, tweeted on Monday morning: "Schofield has just put out a delusional statement."
Referencing a short statement posted on the Instagram story of Schofield former co-presenter Holly Willoughby, Holmes added: "Like Holly, he puts it on Insta Stories so if it goes wrong there is no record after 24 hrs."
He said he is "reluctant to give the liar any more publicity" but added: "Believe my Pip, if u r looking for a fight, u have picked on the wrong person."
