‘This Morning’ Boss Martin Frizell Exits Controversy-Hit ITV Morning Show

As a long-time viewer of “This Morning,” it’s always bittersweet to see such significant changes in the team that has kept us entertained and informed for years. Martin Frizell, the show’s longest-running editor, is stepping down after a decade of dedication, and I can only imagine the impact his absence will have on the ITV family.


As a devoted fan, I’m sharing the news that after a decade of brilliant leadership, Martin Frizell is bidding farewell to his role on the ITV morning show.

The most recent setback hits the 37-year-old “This Morning” television show, a magazine format program, which has been grappling with a string of issues over the past two years following the unexpected departures of its veteran presenters, Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, one after the other.

Frizell has been the editor of the program for the longest time, starting with ITV back in 2014 as the editor for the afternoon series “Loose Women.” It’s been revealed that he will be leaving his position in the spring season, but as of now, there’s no word on who will take over from him.

Frizell mentioned that next year, his family responsibilities are likely to shift significantly, necessitating more time for them. He cherishes his team at ITV and the excitement of live television, but the job requires constant attention, 24/7, every day of the week, and he can’t fulfill both roles.

I’ve been honored to work alongside exceptional hosts and content creators, collectively producing over 6,000 hours of live, relevant television. That equates to approximately 20,000 segments. While accolades are always appreciated, I take greatest pride in the impact we’ve made on countless lives, even saving some through our initiatives on suicide prevention, menopause, testicular cancer, and ‘how-to’ pieces. This broadcasting endeavor serves as a rigorous challenge for every journalist.

Kevin Lygo, ITV’s media and entertainment boss, said: “‘This Morning’ is an iconic show in ITV’s schedule, and heading the team for a decade, producing more than ten hours of original, topical, live television every week is an amazing achievement. As a programme and a brand, Martin has made sure the show continues to be a household name, an award-winning staple of the schedule with a growing successful presence in digital and social. On behalf of the ITV Network, we thank Martin and wish him the very best for his future ventures.”

Over the past couple of years, I’ve found myself taking a step back from my show, and I believe it might be due to the tumultuous events that unfolded during this period. The controversy started brewing when Schofield and Willoughby were allegedly given special VIP access to see Queen Elizabeth II lying in state following her death in September 2022, sparking accusations of “queue jumping”.

As a movie reviewer, here’s my take on the dramatic unfolding of events:

Following many periods of anxiety, the pair were ultimately succeeded by Cat Deeley, host of “So You Think You Can Dance”, and Ben Shephard, co-host of “Good Morning Britain” in March of this year. This change resulted in a decline in ratings.

Previously, Schofield made a return to television last month with a Channel 5 special where he was stranded on a desert island. While isolated, the ex-host of British daytime TV criticized harshly a group he referred to as the “three scoundrels of showbiz,” who he claimed turned their backs on him as his career took a nosedive. Although he didn’t reveal their identities, The Sun newspaper suggested that they could be Willoughby, ITV executive Carolyn McCall, and “This Morning” editor Frizell.

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2024-11-27 22:46