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Holly Willoughby has been branded "damaged goods" by ITV's former commercial director.
Ian McCulloch has opened up about Phillip Schofield's decision to step down as the presenter of This Morning after lying to his bosses about having an affair with a younger male collegue.
In a bombshell statement, Phillip described the relationship as "unwise" but not "illegal" as he confirmed it was over now.
READ MORE: Holly Willoughby's ITV This Morning return date 'confirmed' after Phillip Schofield exit
Holly later came out to say she had no idea about the relationship, and when she had asked about it, she was told it wasn't true.
Ian has given his verdict on the future of This Morning and called for new presenters to take over This Morning.
Speaking on GB News, he said: "I do absolutely agree that none of the on-screen talent, well, those two, they cannot be associated with the show. She's damaged goods.
"They need a fresh start. I’m not sure that the talent that they've got, sort of running through at the minute is the right talent. But I think the show is a good show, but you certainly can't have those two."
"There is so much more to come out in this story. And I don't think her statements are particularly plausible, though it looks as though she's clinging on. I think they need to make a clean break and just move the show on."
Ian suggested the show is "getting tired" and "needs resting".
"It's happened again, the creative control isn't there. They haven't refreshed the show. We've got it in peak time with ITV, where you can see some shows are starting to look tired and they need resting," he said.
"I think from the public's point of view, this almost looks like an episode of Love Island. You put a bunch of egomaniacs together and see what's going to explode, and over time this has exploded."
ITV has since instructed a barrister to carry out an external review of the facts following Phillip's statement and departure from This Morning.
ITV chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall has sent a letter to to Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, DCMS Committee chair Dame Caroline Dinenage and Ofcom chief executive Dame Melanie Dawes following his bombshell exit.
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The lengthy letter, seen by PA, states: "We have now instructed Jane Mulcahy KC (Blackstone Chambers) to carry out an external review to establish the facts. She will review our records and talk to people involved.
"This work will also consider our relevant processes and policies and whether we need to change or strengthen any.
"Given Phillip’s admission of the extent of his deception the work will extend to cover any related issues that may emerge.
"This work will be carried out as quickly as possible and we will be happy to share the outcome."
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- Holly Willoughby
- ITV
- This Morning
- Phillip Schofield
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