Eamonn Holmes branded Phillip Schofield “delusional” and a “liar” after he released a statement defending “toxic” ITV claims.

Holmes, who shared presenting duties on the flagship daytime show for 15 years, has been one of the most vocal critics of the broadcaster’s handling of the Schofield fallout.

Schofield, 61, resigned from ITV last week and was dropped by his talent agency after confessing to having an “unwise, but not illegal” relationship with a younger male colleague who worked on the programme.

Earlier this morning Schofield uploaded a statement on his Instagram story, where he responded to claims by Dr Ranj, the former This Morning resident medic, who said the show had a “toxic” culture.

Schofield said: