STUDIO 10 STARS AT WAR!
The ill-timed hurling of a brussels sprout has caused simmering tensions to explode on the popular morning TV show
It’s supposed to be one of the happiest times of the year – the filming of the annual Studio 10 Christmas special. But when lovable rogue Denise Drysdale launched a brussels sprout at her co-star Ita Buttrose, it kicked off a chain of events that insiders say has left the two stars of the morning show at loggerheads with each other.
And it’s not only caused a rift between Denise and Ita, but Jessica Rowe has got involved – and she’s backing Denise.
According to reports, executive producer Rob Knight was called in to have a tense chat with Denise, who turns 69 this week, about her decision to hurl the green vegie at Ita during filming, which led to Denise and Jess approaching network chiefs to complain.
When Rob was axed from Ten shortly after, Ita, 75, was said to be none too happy about it, and Sarah Harris and Joe Hildebrand got behind her.
Now sources say relations between the normally happy Studio 10 family are nothing short of frosty, with everyone forced to take sides.
Making matters worse is the fact our favourite TV stars are under enormous pressure after a tough year for the TV station, which has seen them bought out by US broadcaster CBS.
JEALOUSY UNLEASHED
The defection of Lisa Wilkinson from Nine’s Today over a pay-equality dispute opened a can of worms over what the most popular women on TV are paid, and spawned rumours of cross-network poaching.
Our source says rumours Ita earns significantly more than the other panel members, including Sarah and Jess, 47, who both have been major network stars in the past, aren’t helping.
“It’s like the genie is out of the bottle,” claims one insider, who says revelations about the huge salaries breakfast TV stars earn has caused jealousy and insecurity on the sets of some of the most popular shows.
“It’s also almost the end of the ratings season, and that’s when executives start looking at their line-ups for next year.
“It’s a stressful time for those stars and there are always rumours of shuffle-ups and secret deals. It’s little wonder everyone’s feeling jumpy and on edge, you can hardly blame them for lashing out at each other.”