Nick Robinson and Emma Barnett are reportedly feuding(Image: BBC)
As BBC Radio 4 Today presenters Nick Robinson and Emma Barnett are rumoured to be locked in a feud, The Mirror takes a look at other famous co-host clashes where on-screen friendships are masked behind-the-scenes tensions.
According to reports, Nick and Emma, who have only hosted 13 shows together in total, are locked in a bitter feud as they go 90 days without presenting their flagship show the Today programme.
Insiders claim tensions have brewed over their contrasting presenting styles – Nick’s stricter, blunter approach reportedly clashing with Emma’s different tone. Though BBC bosses have attempted to brush off the rumours, listeners have picked up on the palpable awkwardness whenever the two do appear together.
Nick Robinson and Emma Barnett are reportedly feuding(Image: BBC)
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But they wouldn’t be the first co-hosts to be enlocked in an alleged feud. Here’s a rundown of other celebrity pairs who couldn’t keep it together behind the scenes.
Eamonn Holmes and Anthea Turner
Anthea Turner has hosted a whole string of shows(Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty I)
The GMTV dream team of the 90s was anything but harmonious. Eamonn reportedly dubbed Anthea “Princess Tippy Toes,” mocking her supposed prima donna attitude.
The tension between the pair escalated over time, with Eamonn allegedly resenting Anthea’s perceived favouritism from producers. According to insiders, Eamonn eventually gave bosses an ultimatum: it was either him or her.
Anthea ultimately left the role, and the bitterness between the former colleagues has been referenced by Eamonn in interviews years later.
The GMTV dream team of the 90s was anything but harmonious. Eamonn reportedly dubbed Anthea “Princess Tippy Toes,” mocking her supposed prima donna attitude.
The tension between the pair escalated over time, with Eamonn allegedly resenting Anthea’s perceived favouritism from producers. According to insiders, Eamonn eventually gave bosses an ultimatum: it was either him or her.
Anthea ultimately left the role, and the bitterness between the former colleagues has been referenced by Eamonn in interviews years later.
Denise later described the experience as “toxic,” with tensions off-air undermining their professional rapport.
Anne Robinson and Rachel Riley
Anne Robinson was said to have an issue with Rachel Riley’s ‘chatty’ tone
Countdown’s Anne Robinson allegedly grew frustrated with Rachel’s friendly interactions with the audience. Reports suggest Anne believed Rachel’s approach was too chatty and informal for the show’s traditional tone.
Their working relationship reportedly deteriorated to the point where Anne made it clear she preferred minimal conversation between segments. The atmosphere grew so strained that fans began to notice the coldness between the two during episodes.
Gary Barlow and Tulisa
The scene is constantly going viral as Gary Barlow makes a dig at his co-judge(Image: Mirror Screen Grab)
Their stint on The X Factor saw a fiery exchange when the Take That singer publicly criticised Tulisa’s “cigarette breath” during live shows.
Tulisa retaliated by pointing out Gary’s “red wine” stench, making for uncomfortable viewing. Off-camera, tensions were reportedly even worse, with Tulisa feeling undermined by Gary’s veteran status on the judging panel.
When Tulisa eventually quit, Gary expressed relief, describing her departure as a “fresh start” for the show.
Sharon Osbourne and Dannii Minogue
Sharon doesn’t seem to be a fan of her former co-judge on the show(Image: ITV/Rex Features)
The tension between these two X Factor judges was legendary. Sharon allegedly harboured resentment toward Dannii over her rumoured romantic involvement with Simon Cowell, believing the relationship gave her an unfair advantage.
Sharon’s frustration reportedly grew into outright disdain, with snide comments and frosty interactions playing out on and off the camera. Even years later, Sharon has made no secret of her dislike for Dannii.
Coleen Nolan and Kim Woodburn
Coleen and Kim had a fiery exchange on Loose Women(Image: ITV)
The two famously came to blows during Celebrity Big Brother in 2017, only for tensions to reignite on Loose Women in a fiery exchange that Coleen later admitted nearly ended her career.
Kim accused Coleen of bullying her during their time in the CBB house, with Kim breaking down over unresolved trauma from her childhood.
Coleen, meanwhile, insisted she was only defending herself against Kim’s aggressive outbursts. Their explosive clash remains one of the most dramatic moments in Loose Women history.
James Jordan and Craig Revel Horwood
Craig Revel Horwood had some disagreements with James on Strictly
Strictly Come Dancing’s fiery James Jordan and notoriously harsh judge Craig Revel Horwood were embroiled in a years-long feud. The tension began with harsh criticisms from Craig about James’s dance routines, which James viewed as unfair and personal.
Matters escalated when James and his wife Ola publicly called for Craig to be sacked, prompting Craig to accuse James of plotting to steal his job. The feud simmered for years before James’s eventual dismissal from the show.
Piers Morgan and Alex Beresford
Piers Morgan ultimately resigned over the disagreement(Image: ITV)
Good Morning Britain viewers were left stunned when Piers stormed off the set after clashing with Beresford over Meghan Markle. The argument, which centred on Morgan’s relentless criticism of the Duchess of Sussex, became one of the most talked-about moments in daytime TV history.
Alex later admitted he found Piers’ behaviour “pathetic” and “childish.” The incident ultimately led to Piers’ resignation from the show.
Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield
Holly and Phil were once seemingly extremely close friends(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Speculation has swirled for years over whether the golden pair of daytime TV truly get along off-screen. Despite their polished appearances on This Morning, whispers of rivalry and rifts persist.
Sources have claimed that while Holly and Phil present a united front for the cameras, their personal relationship is much more strained following his removal from the show.
