The ‘This Morning’ studio is infested with moths.
Host Phillip Schofield was flabbergasted on Tuesday (18.10.16) to learn that the dressing rooms backstage are riddled with Tineola bisselliella – also known as the common clothes moth – and the insects have been secretly chomping on their clothes for weeks.
Speaking on the brunch time show, bug expert Stuart Hine said: "We had a look in various parts of the back of the studio and there is a large infestation of clothes moths.
"They’re all over the walls. I wouldn’t step in there in your Cashmere clothes because you’re taking those home with you and you’ll be riddled [with more moths]."
The 54-year-old silver fox – who was joined by Christine Lampard while his regular co-host Holly Willoughby was away on holiday – was concerned for the show’s iconic blue sofa, but was relieved to find out that all the guests who appear on the programme and plonk their bottoms on the blue velvet have actually saved the well-loved piece of furniture from being gnawed.
Stuart explained: "If it’s [the sofa is] made of wool, then it is but plenty of disturbance – you have lots of guests on here – will keep them at bay."
Although the presenters and camera crew have been oblivious to the moth infestation, it’s believed the critters have been taking over the studio for months as Rylan Clark-Neal – who hosts the showbiz segment on the show – was attacked by one in March.
The 27-year-old star was discussing the then-forthcoming series of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ with Philip and Holly on the blue sofa when the insect landed on his shoulder.
He screeched at the time: "What? What? Get it off me!"
Phillip – who was hysterical with laughter – replied: "It’s a moth, it was a little moth. It was the smallest moth I’ve ever seen! [speaking to Holly] Why didn’t you just leave it on him?!"
He then tried to get Rylan to continue his showbiz report by reminding him that he only had "only minute" to finish his set.
But Rylan shouted back: "I don’t care! I was being attacked by a moth!"
Moths invade This Morning studio
