ITV slam 'nonsense' claims Alison and Dermot's relationship is 'strained'

08 July 2023 , 18:36

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ITV slam 'nonsense' claims Alison and Dermot's relationship is 'strained'

This Morning was believed to be in jeopardy as bosses are reportedly concerned over the strained relationship between hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary.

Reports suggest that despite their on-screen relationship appearing to be thriving, this isn't the case behind the scenes in what could be another blow for the network. The programme has faced huge dramas in recent months following the breakdown of Holly Willoughby's friendship with former friend Phillip Schofield, as well as his rapid decline after it emerged he had an affair with a much younger member of staff.

However, an ITV source has since told the Mirror: "This is absolute nonsense. There’s no tension between Alison and Dermot, quite the opposite."

Sources claim that top dogs on the programme were considering having the pair present more episodes of the programme apart.

Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary's relationship was rumoured to be strained (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

"Alison and Dermot got off to a tricky start, they had very different levels of experience and came from totally different places but they then did start to rub along quite nicely," an inside source claimed.

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Speaking to the Mail on Sunday they went on to say: " Recently though things have become strained and it is worrying the bosses, they fear that this couple they put together which they had hoped would carry the show through the tough times it is enduring may have to present apart a bit more."

The publication also claims that Alison's relationship with Holly Willoughby is becoming strained, although Hammond recently invited the latter to stay at her home in Birmingham, which she explained live on the TV programme.

Speaking to the Mirror, an ITV spokesperson said: "Alison, Dermot and Holly are all valued members of the This Morning family and all enjoy working together on the show, as well as having friendships outside of the show."

Alison will be returning to screens alongside her pal Dermot throughout the summer while regular host Holly takes her summer break.

Earlier this week, Alison urged the camera crew to "take the camera off her" as the programme became chaotic. During the segment, Alison appeared to be struggling with her seasonal allergies as she reached for the tissues.

After reapplying her make-up live on air, she said: "Sorry can I get a tissue? I've got really bad hay fever that's just come on."

While Dermot handed her a tissue, she said: "I'm sorry I just have to blow my nose. Don't put the camera on me for one second. Thank you." Composing herself, the mum-of-one admitted: "It's so embarrassing" before Dermot gushed: "You look good bubba. Are you done? Amazing."

The star who found fame on Big Brother opened up about her hay fever in March, telling Dermot she woke up and instantly felt "different", before sharing with viewers: "You know, hay fever, runny eyes, the nose thing, I don't feel too well."

In recent months, Alison has become a more regular presenter on the programme, despite initially only presenting on Fridays.

Daniel Bird