Viewers complained that at one point the names on the card could be seen (ITV)
Viewers complained that at one point the names on the card could be seen (ITV)

ITV confirmed it has taken disciplinary action against Phillip Schofield after the This Morning presenter handed David Cameron a list of alleged Tory paedophiles live on air.

The broadcaster said it had taken "appropriate action" against Schofield and three other members of the This Morning staff over the incident.

On 8 November, Schofield handed the Prime Minister a list alleged Conservative paedophiles which he found after spending "about three minutes" looking at the internet. Viewers complained that the names on the list were briefly shown on screen as Schofield handed the list to Cameron.

ITV did not say what level of punishment was stipulated in the disciplinary proceedings, but confirmed no member of staff will be fired or suspended following their investigation.

After receiving the punishment, Schofield appeared on the show alongside co-host Holly Willoughby.

ITV said in a statement: "Last Thursday we began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the mistake on that day's This Morning programme, for which both Phillip Schofield and ITV apologised.

"This investigation has now concluded and the appropriate disciplinary action has been taken. We sincerely apologise because the way in which the issue was raised was clearly wrong and should have been handled differently.

"We have taken steps to make sure our editorial processes are always properly followed, which was not the case in this instance, and to ensure such an error will not be made again.

Following the incident, Schofield issued an apology and said it was not his intention for the list to be visible.

The presenter said: "If any viewer was able to identify anyone listed, I would like to apologise and stress that was never my intention.

"I was not accusing anyone of anything and it is essential that it is understood that I would never be part of any kind of witch hunt.

"Unfortunately there may have been a misjudged camera angle for a split second as I showed the Prime Minister some information I had obtained from the internet."

Elsewhere, broadcasting regulator Ofcom has confirmed it will launched an investigation into This Morning as well as BBC's Newsnight, following complaints by MP Rob Wilson.