In a year rife with drama and headlines, 2024 has certainly delivered its fair share of controversial moments in the world of television, from Phillip Schofield’s shocking return to the screen to the dismissal of Graziano Di Prima from Strictly Come Dancing.
Let’s delve into the most talked-about incidents that captivated audiences over the past twelve months.
Phillip Schofield made waves with the premiere of his Channel 5 show, Cast Away, after a turbulent 2023, which saw him admit to an affair with a younger colleague while employed at ITV. Despite acknowledging the relationship as “unwise,” he maintained that it was not illegal. Following his dramatic exit from ITV, Schofield kept a low profile until resuming public life in September. The reception to Cast Away was mixed; critics described his performance as “bitter,” reflecting the ongoing public scrutiny he faced.
With Schofield’s departure, ITV had a vacancy on Dancing On Ice, and in a surprising twist, Stephen Mulhern was named as his replacement. Viewers quickly praised the new co-host dynamic with Holly Willoughby, claiming Mulhern reinvigorated the show with a refreshing energy that Schofield lacked.
On This Morning, the search for new presenters took a turn when Holly Willoughby announced her own exit, prompting ITV to hire Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley. Their arrival sparked varied reactions from fans. Some expressed disappointment, yearning for the previous hosting pairs, citing a need for a more exciting lineup.
In the realm of Celebrity Big Brother, the return of the franchise on ITV raised eyebrows with the casting of Gary Goldsmith, the uncle of Kate Middleton. His history of violence against his spouse undercut the credibility of the program, prompting Women’s Aid to voice serious concerns about featuring him on a public platform.
In a shocking resignation from BBC News, Huw Edwards stepped down due to health reasons amid allegations that he had engaged in inappropriate conduct. Edwards faced serious legal repercussions and was ultimately sentenced to suspended jail time for his actions, leaving many feeling betrayed by the trusted news anchor.
Another significant development occurred when Graziano Di Prima was shockingly cut from Strictly Come Dancing over claims of misconduct, which included an unfortunate incident in rehearsals. Graziano expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging how his determination may have affected his behavior.
August brought more drama when Jermaine Jenas was let go by the BBC amid accusations of sending inappropriate messages to colleagues. The fallout impacted his family life, and Jenas later found himself replaced in the Formula E hosting role.
On MasterChef, Gregg Wallace announced his decision to step down after multiple allegations of inappropriate comments were raised against him. He garnered both criticisms and support as he confronted the situation publicly.
Lastly, the saga surrounding Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington concluded with Pernice cleared of serious allegations but still facing scrutiny over six upheld complaints. His first public appearance since the inquiry revealed his relief over the outcome while he defended his teaching style amid media speculation.
From high-profile exits to public backlash, 2024 has been a year of upheaval for several well-known figures in the television landscape. As the year draws to a close, the industry is left to consider the implications of these controversies and what the future holds for the stars involved.