BBC radio show ‘in chaos’ after hosts ‘fall out over criticising email’

BBC Radio 5 Live has reportedly been left in a state of ‘chaos’ after an alleged fallout between presenters Tony Livesey and Clare McDonnell – over an offensive e-mail intended for someone else.

Reports of the pair’s feud comes after Tony, 59, accidentally sent an e-mail to his co-host, criticising her presenting abilities.

Tony and Clare, 47, have presented 5Live’s drivetime show together since February 2022 – but haven’t been seen in the studio together since May.

Clare is now said to be refusing to work with Tony – and the pair have been alternating their shifts at the station so as to avoid each other.

According to a source, their feud has caused ‘chaos’ at the station, and the BBC are reportedly planning to permanently separate the presenters by relegating him back to the late night slot where he was when he originally joined.

The change, which is reportedly due to begin in December is a ‘kick in the teeth’ to the journalist and proto-Traitors host, who originally joined the BBC in 2006.

‘She no longer wants to work with him and that has caused total chaos at the station. People are being shifted all over the shop and into different slots, which isn’t going down well,’ a source told The Sun.

They continued: ‘Clare is well within her right to be angry — but it’s made the atmosphere at 5 Live really frosty.’

‘It has become a nightmare there,’ the tabloid’s source continued.

Since the event, Tony and Clare have alternated hosting the drivetime slot separately. On Monday and Tuesday, Johnny I’Anso stepped in to host with Clare.

Then, on Wednesday and Thursday, Tony presented the show with journalist and political correspondent Leila Nathoo.

In December, Tony will move back to the late night slot he first originated in 2010 – and he’s reportedly not happy about it.

The newspaper’s source continued: ‘Tony has lost a really good gig because of that message to Clare. It’s a massive kick in the teeth for him.

‘Clare is happy she was listened to by station bosses and thinks Tony has got exactly what he deserves.’

Tony will be replaced by Chris Warburton from December. Chris, who has hosted Weekend Breakfast since 2014, will join Clare as the permanent host of Live Drive.

Tensions between the pair first became evident last year after a snippy exchange saw Tony and Clare exchange jabs live on air.

This came as Tony praised the ‘professionalism’ of Wimbledon correspondents such as Gigi Salmon, Russell Fuller and David Law, he said: ‘They are uber professional, it’s a privilege to sit alongside them.’

‘It’ll be good to work alongside professionals, for a change, I’m looking forward to it,’ Clare joked.

‘Everyone’s having a go now – what’s happening?’ Tony asked, laughing.

To which Clare replied: ‘Oh that was an open goal.’

‘I’m going to say the time dramatically and hope everyone’s forgotten what’s just been said,’ Tony finished, looking considerably unamused.

Metro has approached the BBC for comment on this story.

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