Dr Ranj Singh says ITV This Morning “had become toxic”

Doctor Ranj Singh, a former employee of ITV’s This Morning, has issued a statement on social media, shedding light on the “toxic” atmosphere that prevailed on the show before he left.

Having been on the show for 10 years, Singh stressed that he “thought long and hard about posting” the statement.

As news of his experience on This Morning circulated among journalists, the NHS Doctor and television presenter felt compelled to share his thoughts.

In a Tweet accompanied by screenshots of his statement, Singh aimed to “clarify things” that were reported about him in news stories recently.

He said in the tweet before his statement:

“Lots of journalists have been contacting me this weekend enquiring about this, so I think it’s only right that I clarify things.

There is so much more I could say, but for now I hope my concerns will finally be taken seriously, and something good comes from all this…”

Singh’s statement comes in the wake of Phillip Schofield’s departure from This Morning and the revelation of his homosexual affair with a member of staff on the show.

Within the statement, Singh acknowledges that while he was unaware of the truth regarding Schofield’s actions, saying:

“I didn’t know the truth about what was going on with Philip, but I do know the issues with TM go far beyond him.”

During Singh’s time on This Morning, he had approached Emma Gormley, expressing his concerns about Martin Frizell’s behaviour and the overall toxic environment that had developed.

Singh adds that he even escalated his concerns directly to the upper echelons of ITV, underscoring the fact that the culture at This Morning had become divergent from ITV’s core values.

He said:

“I even took my concerns directly to the top of ITV: 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.

“But as history and experience have taught us, things like bullying and discrimination are very hard to prove, particularly in hindsight and when the ‘people in power’ control the narrative.

“As we’ve seen, no review or investigation is foolproof. Still, I was assured that certain things were going to be addressed and changes made.

“I haven’t worked on the show since… and I’m not the only one who has spoken up or experienced similar.”

Lots of journalists have been contacting me this weekend enquiring about this, so I think it’s only right that I clarify things.

There is so much more I could say, but for now I hope my concerns will finally be taken seriously, and something good comes from all this… ???? pic.twitter.com/6Tx23IWUns

— Ranj Singh (@DrRanj) May 28, 2023

Reflecting on the events that unfolded two years ago, Singh admits that the entire process was profoundly distressing and had a detrimental impact on his mental well-being, saying:

“That was two years ago and, frankly, it still hurts.

“The whole process was pretty heart-breaking and even affected my mental health.

“But I’m happy to say I’ve found my feet again, know my worth and have found my tribe.”

The statement concludes with Singh acknowledging the lessons he has learned from his time in the industry.

He advocates for respectful and compassionate dialogue, driven by a genuine desire to effect positive change.

While acknowledging the presence of individuals with integrity in the television industry, Singh believes it is crucial to confront those who fall short, saying:

“I say it all with respect, kindness and a desire to make things better.

“There are some good people in TV, but we need to be brave and stand up to those who aren’t.

He emphasises the importance of courageously doing what is right, even when it feels daunting, as it is the only way to facilitate meaningful transformation.

He added:

“Even if it’s scary as hell, we have to do the right thing otherwise nothing will change.

“I sincerely hope something good comes from all this x”

While doing “the right thing” is the conclusion of Dr Ranj Singh’s statement, there is huge turbulence at the show and ITV.

Further to the Phillip Schofield’s public admission of an affair with a younger colleague during his time on This Morning, There are now calls for independent investigation.

It’s alleged that the employee in question was 15 years old when he first met Schofield during a school visit.

Co-presenter Holly Willoughby expressed her deep hurt upon discovering Schofield’s deception about the affair during an interview.

Additionally, an ITV spokesperson conveyed the channel’s profound disappointment and sense of betrayal by Schofield’s actions.