It comes after Michael Barrymore claimed Dancing on Ice has the “same abusive behaviour” as Strictly

SPOOKED ITV is beefing-up its complaints department in the wake of the Phillip Schofield scandal.

The channel is recruiting a top level, legal official as the new Head of Complaints.

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Spooked ITV is beefing-up its complaints department in the wake of the Phillip Schofield scandalCredit: REX

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The channel is recruiting a top level, legal official as the new Head of ComplaintsCredit: Rex

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It comes after Michael Barrymore claimed Dancing on Ice has the “same abusive behaviour” as StrictlyCredit: Getty

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Giovanni Pernice left Strictly as BBC bosses launched an investigation into his conductCredit: Rex
A description of the role says the official will “take responsibility for external complaints about the behaviour and conduct of those who work for us.”

It adds that a key task will be managing the “external whistleblowing hotline” and candidates must have experience “running investigations”.

The hire comes following the channel’s probe into what was said to be “toxic” behaviour backstage on This Morning after Schofield admitted to an affair with a younger runner.

ITV shared the intention to set up a new centralised Complaints Handling Unit in its response.

It comes as the spotlight falls on rival channel BBC amid scandal on dance show Strictly Come Dancing.

A TV source said: “ITV is battening down the hatches should any storm be blowing their way.”

It comes after Michael Barrymore claimed Dancing on Ice has the “same abusive behaviour” as Strictly.

An ITV spokesperson previously hit back, saying: “We do not recognise these unsubstantiated claims.

“Michael was unable to participate in the live shows for Dancing on Ice owing to an injury sustained in training.

“This training takes place in public ice skating rinks, where skating marshalls or rink guards are present, or at the show’s filming studio in Bovingdon, under the supervision of the production crew.

“Additionally, independent skating coaches are often present overseeing training sessions.”

Phillip, 62, resigned from ITV last year and was replaced on Dancing On Ice by Stephen Mulhern.

The Beeb launched an investigation into Giovanni Pernice following a complaint from actress Amanda Abbington.

Italian dancer Gio later quit Strictly, while the same probe also saw Graziano Di Primo axed over his misconduct towards Zara McDermott last year.

However, Giovanni has strenuously denied any wrongdoing towards Amanda, 50.

Strictly’s Full Scandal So Far

Strictly Come Dancing’s scandal has been growing over the past few months, with several major players speaking out about what went on. Here are the key moments of what’s happened so far

16th May: Giovanni Pernice sensationally quits Strictly Come Dancing after nine years on the show.

17th May: Giovanni becomes the centre of an official investigation after three former partners – believed to be Amanda Abbington, Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh – make complaints to the BBC.

16th June: Giovanni releases an official statement vowing to clear his name and denies any wrongdoing.

8th July: Strictly confirms Aljaz Skorjanec will return to the series, replacing Giovanni, after initially quitting the show two years ago.

10th July: Amanda Abbington launches fresh legal proceedings to get the rehearsal footage from her time with Giovanni, after allegedly he refused to release the videos.

13th July: Graziano Di Prima is axed from Strictly for “gross misconduct” after footage of his treatment of Zara McDermott is brought to the attention of the BBC.

Graziano quickly broke his silence, apologising for his behaviour in a statement and saying he “deeply regrets it”, adding his “intense passion and determination to win might have affected his training regime.”

15th July: Strictly bosses implement new duty of care protocols, including having a chaperone present throughout all rehearsals.

16th July: Zara McDermott speaks out publicly for first time. She states while the production team were “amazing to work with”, she found the rehearsal room “completely different”, confirming there’s footage of “certain situations”.

19th July: Anton Du Beke is put under the spotlight for his “1970s attitude” and treatment of female celeb stars, particularly after allegedly referring to 2009 partner Laila Rouass as a “p***” after getting a spray tan.

21st July: Paralympian Will Bayley, who has limb condition arthrogryposis, revealed he was encouraged to leap from a table during a dance routine, despite fears. The stunt caused an injury that forced him to withdraw from the show.

22nd July: MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace admits he broke down in tears and got a nasty stress rash on his face during his time on Strictly in 2014.

23rd July: Celebrity agent Melanie Blake claims she was sexually assaulted by an unnamed pro dancer while backstage on the show, and claims she witnessed ageism, rudeness and a rough treatment to the point of injury.

23rd July: BBC boss Tim Davie breaks his silence on the ongoing allegations against Strictly, saying he is ‘deeply sorry’, adding: “Hundreds of people, be they pros, contestants or crew have been part of it and had a brilliant experience.

“At the same time if someone thinks there was something wrong or they want to talk about their experience then of course we want them to raise that with us. Be in no doubt we will take it seriously, listen and deal with it as appropriate.”