ITV have responded to claims of behind-the-scenes “tension” between This Morning duo Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond.
The popular presenters replaced Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford as hosts of the show’s Friday slot last year, but rumours are rife the pair have struggled to “hit it off”.
A source told MailOnline: “They came from very different backgrounds.”
“Dermot has been a big star for many years and has presented some big shows, while Alison has always wanted a less high-profile career and has far less experience,” the insider continued.
“They are impatient with one another, mainly because they do things so differently. It has led to on-set bickering and awkward tensions off-air.”
In response to the report, a spokesman for This Morning insisted the presenting duo have developed a “firm friendship” over the past year.
In a statement, they said: “Alison and Dermot have developed a firm friendship and their chemistry has proved a ratings success.”
“Since the pandemic ended, the pair are able to enjoy socialising together post the show.”
The news comes after Alison hinted she struggled to connect with Dermot during an interview with Lorraine Kelly earlier this year.
When Lorraine suggested it was ridiculous to throw people together on a show and expect it to work, the former Big Brother star replied: “Absolutely. It was literally that though. That’s what happened to us.”
