FRICTION between Radio 5 presenters Tony Livesey and Clare McDonnell was obvious MONTHS before their off air fallout.
The Sun today revealed Tony sent an unkind message about Clare’s presenting skills to her by accident.
It has created chaos behind the scenes – with a massive reshuffle of the radio station’s schedule line-up revealed this month.
Hinting at tension behind the scenes while presenting earlier this year, Clare took a swipe at Tony after an awkward comment.
Talking about it being a “privilege” to sit alongside “uber professionals” such as sports commentators Russell Fuller and David Law, Tony was stopped in his tracks.
Clare cut in, remarking: “It’ll be good to work alongside professionals, for a change. I’m looking forward to it.”
Tony looked taken aback, replying: “Right, everyone’s having a go now, what’s happening?”
Clare laughed saying: “Oh that was an open goal.”
Tony added: “I’m going to say the time dramatically now and just hope everyone forgets what’s been said.”
Earlier this month it was confirmed the BBC would be making changes to the presenting roster – but radio bosses declined to explain why.
Clare, 57, who has presented the drivetime show on 5Live with Tony since February 2022, has refused to work with him again.
A source told us: “Clare received a message from Tony basically slagging her off and she was livid.
“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.
“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.”
