ITV hit back as This Morning stars accused of ‘secret feud that left them struggling to host together’

THIS Morning has been plagued by rumors of a “secret feud” with hosts Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond “bickering” behind the scenes, it has been claimed.

The duo controversially replaced Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford last year on the ITV programme’s Friday slot.

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According to a report, the pair have struggled to “hit it off” and sources on the show claim they have struggled to host the show together.

A source told the Mail: “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.

“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.”

The source added that the speculation was that neither of them would be upset if there was a shake-up and they were paired with other presenters.

However, ITV has insisted the pair are close – and even hang out together outside of the show.

A spokesperson said: “Despite the challenges of starting their on-screen partnership during a pandemic, Alison and Dermot have developed a firm friendship and their chemistry has provided a ratings success.

Since the pandemic ended, the pair are now able to enjoy socializing together post the show and have enjoyed spending time with each other’s families too.”

Earlier this year, Alison – who shot to fame on reality show Big Brother in 2002 – admitted she had struggled to gel with former X Factor host Dermot.

In an interview with ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly, it was suggested to her that you cannot throw people together on a show and expect it to work.

She replied: “Absolutely. It was literally that though. That’s what happened to us.”

This Morning has been plagued with presenter spats in recent years.

In 2020, it was revealed that Phillip Schofield and Ruth had fallen out after he cut her away during a segment when she was explaining what was on Loose Women.