U.K. broadcaster ITV has pulled the plug on the finale of its new drama series “Viewpoint,” which was set to air tonight (Friday) at 9 p.m., following numerous allegations made about series star Noel Clarke.
The “Love Island” broadcaster has been facing intense pressure to call time early on the police drama — which has been airing every night this week — after a Guardian investigation yielded a slew of sexual misconduct, harassment and bullying claims against Clarke. The outlet spoke with 20 women who had worked with the actor in a professional setting.
“ITV has a zero tolerance policy to bullying, harassment and victimisation and robust procedures in place to investigate and deal with any complaints. We strongly believe that everyone deserves to work in a supportive and safe environment,” reads a statement shared with Variety.
“In light of the very serious nature of the allegations against Noel Clarke raised by 20 women in the Guardian’s report, ITV has decided it is no longer appropriate to broadcast the final episode of the drama ‘Viewpoint’ on ITV main channel this evening.
“We are mindful that some of our viewers have already invested four hours of their time over the past four nights in following this thriller which was due to conclude this evening, and they have yet to see the final episode. As such we plan to make it available on ITV Hub tonight for a limited time for any viewers who wish to seek it out, and watch its conclusion.”
Variety understands that “Viewpoint” producer Tiger Aspect nor ITV received complaints about Clarke’s behaviour during the making of the show.
The series — which aired on Thursday night, a mere two hours after the Guardian story dropped — will be made available on ITV Hub until Sunday evening, after which it will disappear from all ITV platforms.
Shortly after news broke of ITV yanking the finale, “Viewpoint” star Alexandra Roach thanked the women who spoke out for their “incredible bravery in coming forward and helping to put a stop to this kind of behaviour in our industry.”
“If I could stop working with sexual predators…that would be great,” said Roach. “Sending a big hug to all cast and crew who worked so very hard on ‘Viewpoint.’ For those that want to see the final episode you’ll find it on ITV Hub for the next few days.”
Meanwhile, Clarke has also been removed from a writing scheme run by ITV and “The Salisbury Poisonings” producer Dancing Ledge Productions, a company in which Fremantle has a 25% stake.
Clarke was to mentor Alex Straker, whose writing credits include “EastEnders” and “Holby City”. ITV and Dancing Ledge have decided that it is “no longer appropriate” to have Clarke remain as a mentor because of the allegations against him, and a new mentor will be found for Straker.
The fall-out from the Guardian’s bombshell investigation has been swift. BAFTA suspended the actor, who recently received a special award from the org, from its membership, while Clarke’s long-time friend and “Bulletproof” co-star Ashley Waters also distanced himself from the star, saying he could “never condone behaviour of this nature neither in nor out of the workplace.”
Naman Ramachandran contributed to this report.
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