Dermot O'Leary has firmly denied rumours of a behind-the-scenes 'bust-up' on This Morning, branding the speculation as 'bulls**t' in a recent interview. The 53-year-old presenter, who regularly hosts the ITV daytime programme on Fridays and during school holidays alongside Alison Hammond, addressed the claims while reflecting on a turbulent period for the show.
Rocky patch for This Morning
Speaking to Radio Times magazine, O'Leary looked back on what he described as 'a really rocky patch' for This Morning several years ago. This period coincided with Phillip Schofield's confession that he had an 'unwise but not illegal' relationship with a younger runner on the show, leading to his departure. Months later, co-presenter Holly Willoughby also left after a kidnap and murder plot targeting her was uncovered.
When asked whether that time had been challenging, O'Leary said: 'It was hard, because we were doing a show that, through no fault of our own, was on the cover of newspapers for 50 days on the trot.'
Dismissing 'bust-up' rumours
Responding directly to reports of a 'bust-up' between him and Hammond, O'Leary explained: 'But in terms of day-to-day stories, I don't even look at them. Because we'll finish an item, I'll look one way and Alison will look the other, and the papers will be like, "Bust-up on This Morning!"' He added defiantly: 'It's all bulls**t.'
On-screen chemistry
In the same interview, both presenters were questioned about whether on-screen chemistry could be faked. Hammond suggested: 'If Dermot and I weren't talking to each other, I reckon we could fake it.' However, O'Leary admitted he didn't think they could, explaining: 'Because when she is unhappy with me – and it's probably only happened maybe two or three times.' Hammond joked in response: 'More like 700 times.'
O'Leary emphasised their close friendship, stating: 'We have a great relationship. I think I've taught Alison to take life a bit more seriously, and she's taught me to take it a bit less seriously.'
Presenting line-up speculation
O'Leary and Hammond, alongside lead hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, have recently been the subject of speculation about a potential overhaul of the presenting line-up. Following reports that Vernon Kay and Tess Daly could be brought on board, an ITV spokesperson said: 'We are very happy with Cat, Ben, Alison, and Dermot as This Morning's lead presenters and there are no plans for that to change.'
The spokesperson added: '2026 has got off to a great start for the show with viewing up year on year and a weekly reach of 3.7 million viewers.'
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV and ITVX.
