Phillip Schofield accused of calling This Morning staff ‘thick’ and hurling a cue card

Shocking details about Phillip Schofield’s “bullying” behaviour backstage on This Morning has been alleged by whistle-blowing staff.

The axed host, 61, was blasted as a “chief narcissist” by TV legend, Eamonn Holmes, accused of bringing “toxicity” to the ITV show and making staff frightened of him.

Now we can report the accusations being hurled at Phil from his former This Morning co-workers.

READ MORE: Phillip Schofield spotted with daughter Molly and ITV driver after brutal TV axe

Sources have claimed Phil allegedly threw cue cards at a researcher’s head, branding the employee “thick” for making typos in show notes.

He was also accused of being “controlling” behind the scenes and would allegedly make staff cry if there were any hiccups on-screen.

Some crew claim they used to actively look forward to Friday presenters Eamonn and Ruth Langsford being on set – especially when they were covering over the summer.

A This Morning source, who worked on the show in 2017, told The Daily Star: “Phillip was a nightmare.

“I saw him angrily throw a cue card at a researcher’s head and call them thick for making a typo.

“Producers would comfort each other as it was horrible. We used to look forward to Eamonn and Ruth covering for the holidays, especially over summer for six weeks.”

Another ex-This Morning source, who worked on the show in 2022, claims: “Phillip was very particular with briefs, he hated it when anyone used the word ‘kids’ instead of children, or ‘celebs’ instead of celebrities in his briefs or when things were underlined too much.

“He’d get really annoyed! He would shout and he’d refuse to read them altogether or get people to redo them.

“Considering you could be writing briefs last minute, or working until half one or two in the morning – that’s a lot of added work for someone.

“It was quite ridiculous, but something everyone learnt to do on a Phil and Holly show.”

It is claimed “controlling” Phil would “purposely throw a spanner in the works” to test the team in senior meetings.

The source continued: “Phil would give his own suggestions for The Morning View at the last-minute and the team would have to scramble to get everything in place.

“He would make a habit of choosing the ones he wanted instead of the ones the team worked hard to pick for him.

“Over the years, he made members of the team cry because they didn’t get the clip in time when he asked to throw it.

“In some ways he wanted to be totally in control, he had this constant need to always be in control.

“People would relax more when it was an Alison and Dermot show as they were a lot less particular with how they liked their briefs.”

Another member of the team who appeared on-screen between 2015 to 2018 also opened up on Phillip’s behaviour, as well as that of his co-host Holly Willoughby.

They said: “You would say hi to them and they would ignore you. Holly would look at you up and down, making you feel that you’re not wanted there.

“They would stay in their dressing rooms until filming would start. Once the show was over everyone would talk to you but Phil and Holly would walk off, like you’re below them.

“To be honest, they would behave like their s*** doesn’t stink. The atmosphere on set was very uncomfortable, like they wanted you to model but they didn’t want you on set.”

“In my opinion they were VERY fake once filming began and it was difficult to keep smiling on set.

“Whereas being on the show with Ruth and Eamonn, you felt like part of the This Morning family. They would make an effort to speak to you and take an interest. You felt wanted.”

Speaking of bullying accusations in a sit-down interview with BBC, Phil said: “I’ve never abused my power anywhere. I’m not a bully. You read the things you’re supposed to be… I don’t lord it around TV studios, everyone is a friend.

“Most of the messages I’ve got are from people I’ve worked with saying, ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe they’re saying this, we love working with you.’

“I snapped once round about the time I was coming out. I snapped at one of our producers, after the meeting I immediately got up to her and apologised.

“It’s not me, I don’t do that, I’m not rude on the studio floor. I don’t bully people. I don’t lord it around.

“We’re all very, very a one level team and that’s been the important thing for me in 41 years of television.”

Phillip announced he would be leaving This Morning on May 20 after two decades.

Daily Star contacted Holly’s representative, who declined to comment. ITV did not respond. A representative for Phillip did not respond.

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk