ITV investigated Phillip Schofield affair rumours three years ago, bosses say - as they slam 'lies'

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Rumours of a relationship between Phillip Schofield and a younger male colleague were investigated by ITV in early 2020, bosses have said.

The broadcaster issued a fresh statement today (Saturday) after the presenter resigned from the channel and was dropped by his talent agency following his admission of having an 'unwise, but not illegal' affair with a colleague on This Morning.

ITV said that when rumours about the relationship began circulating in early 2020, they were 'investigated'. Both Phillip and the colleague were quizzed, but 'categorically and repeatedly denied' the rumours, ITV said.

The spokesperson added that Phillip's statement yesterday revealed he 'lied to people at ITV', including his colleagues and his management. READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community In full, the ITV statement reads: "Further to our statement last night, ITV can confirm that when rumours of a relationship between Phillip Schofield and an employee of ITV first began to circulate in early 2020 ITV investigated. "Both parties were questioned and both categorically and repeatedly denied the rumours as did Phillip’s then agency YMU.