Messenger: 'Ian Wright was intolerable'

Melinda Messenger has claimed that working with Ian Wright on Live From Studio Five became "intolerable."

The TV presenter and former glamour model, who quit the programme at the start of the year, hit back at Wright's accusations earlier this week that she was "annoying" and a "turn off" for viewers.

In a statement, Messenger's spokesperson told the Daily Star: "Melinda was disappointed by the comments made by Ian.

"She did not renew her contract because the working relationship with Ian Wright became so intolerable. His allegations that she would not let him or Kate get a word in edgeways are ridiculous.

"Melinda loved working on the show but felt she had no other option but to bow out.

"This is not something we wished to talk about in the public arena but after comments made by Ian Wright about Melinda's professional performance, we felt we had no choice but to respond."

Messenger, Wright and Apprentice star Kate Walsh began hosting the Five chatshow last September.