4 weeks ago
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BBC Radio 5 Live presenters Tony Livesey and Clare McDonnell (Image: BBC)
Friction between BBC Radio 5 Live presenters Tony Livesey and Clare McDonnell surfaced months before their off-air fallout, which has reportedly now caused chaos behind the scenes at the station.
According to The Sun, Tony accidentally sent Clare an unkind message criticising her presenting skills, which led to a dramatic reshuffling of the radio station’s schedule.
Hints of tension were visible earlier this year when the two clashed live on-air. While Tony was discussing the "privilege" of working with "uber professionals" like sports commentators Russell Fuller and David Law, Clare abruptly cut in, saying: "It'll be good to work alongside professionals, for a change. I'm looking forward to it."
Tony, caught off guard, responded: "Right, everyone's having a go now, what's happening?" Clare laughed and added: "Oh, that was an open goal."
Trying to lighten the situation, Tony said: "I'm going to say the time dramatically now and just hope everyone forgets what's been said."
The pair will no longer present together (Image: Instagram )
The awkward exchange, however, was just the tip of the iceberg. Earlier this month, it was revealed that Tony had sent Clare a message "basically slagging her off," according to a source.
"Clare received a message from Tony, and she was livid. She no longer wants to work with him, and that has caused total chaos at the station," the source shared with the aforementioned publication.
Clare, who has co-hosted the drivetime show on 5 Live with Tony since February 2022, has since refused to work with him, which has led to a significant reshuffling of the station’s schedule. "People are being shifted all over the shop and into different slots, which isn’t going down well," the source added.
According to insiders, Clare is "well within her right to be angry," but her decision has created a frosty atmosphere at the station. "It has become a nightmare there," the source claimed.
Clare made a shady comment on air (Image: BBC)
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BBC bosses confirmed earlier this month that they would be making changes to the presenting roster, though they declined to explain the reasons behind the reshuffle.
With Tony and Clare no longer working together, the station has been forced to rearrange its lineup, disrupting the flow of shows at 5 Live.
Clare hosted the drivetime slot with Johnny l’Anso on Monday and Tuesday, while Tony was on air alongside Leila Nathoo.
Meanwhile, Chris Warburton has been lined up to take over the drivetime slot from December, replacing Tony who will return to the 10pm-1am shift on which he started his 5 Live career in 2010.
The source added: “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.”
English (US) ·