Strictly It Takes Two hosts Rylan Clark-Neal and Zoe Ball ‘clash over his over-the-top behaviour on set’

STRICTLY spin-off presenters Zoe Ball and Rylan Clark-Neal are at the centre of a rift — after clashing behind the scenes.

Insiders of the BBC show say it is down to Rylan’s “over-the-top” efforts to make his mark.

The new It Takes Two co-host disrupted Zoe’s rehearsal by clowning around, making her snap: “Shut up.”

A source said last night: “Zoe tried to make the remark in a jokey way, but it was clear she was annoyed.

"She was just trying to do her job.

“Rylan wasn’t filming but he was ‘performing’ for the crew — telling jokes and laughing noisily. He was being very loud and Zoe snapped.

"It was obvious Rylan took offence — despite her light-hearted tone — and it was very awkward. You could cut the atmosphere with a knife.”

Former This Morning presenter Rylan, 30, joined Zoe, 48, on the spin-off sofa this year.

The change came after BBC bosses decided to ease pressure on popular host Zoe, who began hosting the Radio 2 breakfast show earlier this year.

The source went on: “Zoe and Rylan have known each other for ages and always got on. But now they work together things are different.

“Rylan is ambitious and is keen to make his mark on the show. He is determined to win over people and be as popular as Zoe.

"But sometimes his efforts can be over-enthusiastic and Zoe has told pals she wishes he’d just tone it down a bit at times.

“But they are both complete professionals on screen.”

While many fans welcomed his arrival, Rylan was criticised by some for “talking over” star guests.

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