ITV have pulled the finale of Noel Clarke’s new TV show Viewpoint after allegations of sexual harassment and bullying were made against the actor.

Yesterday (April 29), a report was published in the Guardian that saw 20 women accuse Clarke of a variety of wrongdoings – from alleged bullying to sexual harassment and unwanted sexual contact.

Clarke has denied all claims through his lawyers except for one, accepting that he once made inappropriate comments about one woman for which he later apologised.

Viewpoint has been airing on ITV across all five weeknights this week (April 26-30), with last night’s episode airing as the Guardian report was being published.

The network have now confirmed that tonight’s finale of the show will no longer be broadcast, though it will be available on the ITV Hub streaming service for a limited time.

“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,” the network said in a statement to 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.”

Despite the news being reported last night, trailers for tonight’s final episode of the show continued to be aired across this morning on the network, during breaks for their breakfast news programme Good Morning Britain.

It led many on social media to complain that the network were still promoting Clarke and the show despite the allegations.

On ITV the credits from Noel Clarke’s drama Viewpoint rolled straight into the trailer for the Ten O’Clock News, featuring the breaking story on Noel Clarke pic.twitter.com/BjzTDgovy0

— Toby Earle (@TobyonTV) April 29, 2021

 

“See ITV are still using the Noel Clarke Viewpoint promotional idents in the GMB breaks,” one viewer tweeted. “Makes me think viewers for their prime time TV series is more important than abused women to ITV.”

See ITV are still using the Noel Clarke Viewpoint promotional idents in the GMB breaks.  Makes me think viewers for their prime time TV series is more important than abused women to ITV . #gmb #noelclarke

— David Rowlinson (@monsieur_rowley) April 30, 2021

Another added: “Let’s see if ITV do the right thing and drop tonight’s final episode of Noel Clarke drama #Viewpoint, while the allegations are investigated. Big on statements this year. One for the women, seeing it’s a female orientated channel?”

Let’s see if ITV do the right thing and drop tonight’s final episode of Noel Clarke drama #Viewpoint , while the allegations are investigated. Big on statements this year. One for the women, seeing it’s a female orientated channel?

— India Willoughby (@IndiaWilloughby) April 30, 2021

Shouldn’t this show be taken off air considering the situation?

— Pierre-Adrien Weydert (@AdrienWeydert) April 30, 2021

@ITV Noel Clarke is a toss. Do not pull the last episode tonight. Think of all the other actors and how it will affect them. #noelclarke

— BARBIE (@jadebarbieorch) April 30, 2021

Would really like to give you your right of reply & tell us if this show is being immediately pulled due to the pending disturbing allegations on Noel Clarke? Considering your mental health ad, I assume you are?

— Jessica (@jessjanuary89) April 30, 2021

I was enjoying Viewpoint this week. Now I’ve read this I’ll be switching off @itv @NoelClarke https://t.co/p1870lA5JM

— Claire Wheeler (@CWheelie) April 30, 2021

Alongside ITV pulling the Viewpoint finale, Sky have also announced today that they have dropped Clarke from any future projects and suspended production on the forthcoming season of his show Bulletproof.

In a 29-page letter sent to the Guardian, Clarke’s lawyers wrote that he categorically denies all allegations – from all 20 women – and in some cases questions their credibility. Clarke’s lawyers also deny that their client is a serial sexual predator.

Clarke, who has been suspended by BAFTA following the allegations, said in a statement to The Guardian: “In a 20-year career, I have put inclusivity and diversity at the forefront of my work and never had a complaint made against me.

“If anyone who has worked with me has ever felt uncomfortable or disrespected, I sincerely apologise. I vehemently deny any sexual misconduct or wrongdoing and intend to defend myself against these false allegations.”