This Morning staffer ‘had inappropriate relationship with contestant’ as internal inquiry is launched months after Phillip Schofield scandal

A person in management at ITV’s This Morning reportedly had an inappropriate relationship with a spin-off show contestant forcing the launch of an internal inquiry. 

The daytime show has already been under scrutiny after the Phillip Schofield scandal back in May, when the presenter was forced to resign from the show after his affair with a younger male member of staff was revealed. 

The new claims regard an axed pilot which included a holiday dating segment filmed over in Barbados. 

The accused reportedly had a fling with a participant on the show, which was fronted by A Place in the Sun host Laura Hamilton. 

Since the incident the member of staff accused is said to have quit the show.

Claims: A person in management at ITV ‘s This Morning reportedly had an inappropriate relationship with a spin-off show contestant forcing the launch of an internal inquiry

Tense times: The daytime show has already been under scrutiny after the Phillip Schofield scandal back in May, when the presenter was forced to resign from the show after his affair with a younger male member of staff was revealed (pictured with Holly Willoughby in May)

Speaking to The Sun, a source said: ‘Bosses were furious when it came to their attention that a producer had an affair with the contestant, especially in light of this year’s This Morning scandal and controversy.

‘It meant that there was another investigation into what happened in Barbados that had to be carried out.

‘It was disappointing to senior members of staff. The producer promptly resigned.’

An ITV spokeswoman told the publication that they were unable to comment on details regarding the matter. 

MailOnline have contacted ITV for comment. 

It has been a tumultuous year for the show after Holly Willoughby also quit last month. 

The presenter left the show last month ‘for the sake of her family’ after discovering she was the target of a foiled kidnap and murder plot and has since not been replaced permanently.

It came five months after Phillip Schofield’s departure after his affair with a young male showrunner was made public, followed by claims of an increasingly strained relationship with his co-host.

New claims: The accuses member of staff reportedly had a fling with a participant during filming for an axed pilot fronted by A Place in the Sun host Laura Hamilton (pictured) over in Barbados 

Who will bag Holly’s role? Since her departure rumours of who will replace the star have continued to circulate, but ITV is yet to confirm who has bagged the highly demanded role (pictured hosts Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond) 

He’s back: Rylan Clark has also enjoyed a stint back on the show alongside host Josie Gibson 

Exciting: Cat Deeley has reportedly joined This Morning alongside their host of other rotating presenters and will make her debut with Rylan on November 13

Since her departure rumours of who will replace the star have continued to circulate, but ITV is yet to confirm who has bagged the highly demanded role. 

The show is currently being held afloat by hosts Josie Gibson, Alison Hammond, Craig Doyle, Dermot O’Leary and Rochelle Humes. 

However Rylan Clark has also enjoyed a stint back on the show, and will be joined by Cat Deeley from this Monday. 

A source told The Sun: ‘Cat is a seasoned pro and execs have been keen to get her in for a while. She takes live TV in her stride and his really witty and personable with guests.

‘She is comfortable interviewing both pop stars and politicians, so if it goes well she could be a much more permanent solution to Holly leaving. Cat would be safe captain to steady the ship.

‘Rylan was a resounding success too so fans can expect to see a lot more of him in the future.’

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