Phillip Schofield has claimed there is "no toxicity" at This Morning, insisting "it's the same handful of people with a grudge against me or the show who seem to have the loudest voice".

Amid a growing row over the culture of ITV's flagship daytime chat show, the former presenter issued a fresh statement on social media to dispute the latest claims over the culture fostered by the daytime TV show. 

Last night ex-contributor and occasional co-host Dr Ranj released a statement about the show's "toxic culture", adding that he left the show after raising allegations about the treatment of its employees.

In a post on Instagram, Mr Schofield said that “I hope you have noticed that it’s the same handful of people with a grudge against me or the show who seem to have the loudest voice. 

“This morning IS the best show to work on, with the best people. In all the years I worked there there was no toxicity.

“You can listen to those persistently loud voices if you like. But the thousands of guests over the years, thousands of staff and crew, hundreds of presenters and contributors all know, it IS a family of wonderful, talented, kind, hard working people.”

His latest comments come after Schofield, 61, resigned from ITV on Friday 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.

Schofield revealed the affair began while he was still with his wife Stephanie Lowe, in a statement published by the Daily Mail on Friday, adding he was "very, very sorry" for having been unfaithful to her.

He also apologised for lying about the relationship.

ITV said they had investigated rumours that Schofield was having a relationship in 2020.

A spokesperson for ITV said the broadcaster was "not provided with, and did not find, any evidence of a relationship beyond hearsay and rumour" and said Schofield has lied to management and colleagues.

The broadcaster also said it was "deeply disappointed" by the "admissions of deceit" by Schofield after he spoke publicly about the affair.

"The relationships we have with those we work with are based on trust," the ITV statement added.

"Phillip made assurances to us which he now acknowledges were untrue and we feel badly let down."