Dr Ranj addresses ‘Toxic’ Claims in Fresh Dig at ‘This Morning’

In a fresh swipe at ITV’s This Morning, Dr Ranj Singh hinted that his claims of a “toxic” environment were not directed at disgraced host Phillip Schofield.

The TV medic had slammed what he alleged was the culture of “bullying” at the broadcaster.

He made his comments prior to Phillip Schofield admitting to having an affair with a much younger staff member.

After being axed by ITV, Schofield branded the relationship “unwise but not illegal”.

In his initial statement, Dr Ranj said:

“I was on the show for ten years and I genuinely loved and valued working there.

“However, over time I grew increasingly worried about how things were behind-the-scenes and how people, including myself, were being treated.

“So I did what I thought was right and, as ITV confirmed last night, I raised my concerns about Martin’s behaviour (and the environment at TM) with Emma Gormley [managing director] especially given that my job is to look after people’s well being and I had been heavily involved in diversity, anti-bullying and mental health projects across the channel.

“I then found myself being used less and less.”

Dr Ranj took his “concerns” to the “top of ITV”. He continued:

“The culture at This Morning had become toxic, no longer aligned with ITV values, and I felt like because I whistle-blew I was managed out.”

Now Dr Ranj has taken to Twitter to clarify his initial comments, hinting that they may not refer to Phillip.

He tweeted: “Just for clarity my complaint (and investigation) was not about Phillip – it was not about ITV as a channel and I did speak up when I was working on This Morning.

“I flagged up my concerns as I was supposed to and I did it because I wanted things to be better for all. As I still do.

“Policies and procedures may be in place but that doesn’t mean everyone is aware/feels empowered to use them.

“And investigations are only as good as the people/questions you ask.

“If you can’t/won’t speak up, you won’t get the full picture.”

“This applies across all industries.”

Policies & procedures may be in place, but that doesn’t mean everyone is aware/feels empowered to use them.

And investigations are only as good as the people/questions you ask. If you can’t/won’t speak up, you won’t get the full picture.

This applies across all industries.

— Ranj Singh (@DrRanj) June 14, 2023

Dr Ranj’s comments come less than 24 hours after the Government’s Digital Culture Media and Sport Committee questioned ITV’s chief executive, Dame Carolyn McCall.

In the public hearing, ITV bosses admitted they did not formally investigate Phillip’s affair.

Asked about Dr Ranj’s specific claims, Dame Carolyn insisted:

“We don’t recognise that culture.”

She said a survey of ITV daytime staff reveals 89% are “proud” to work there.