[Callum]

GMTV pin-up boy Ben Shepherd last night dropped a bombshell on the brekkie show’s sofa with a WITHERING assessment of new presenter Emma Crosby.

Co-host Ben told the News of the World about the Sky News babe: “She’s got a steep learning curve.”


And, in a comment that will raise eyebrows among viewers, he declared Kate Garraway would still be the show’s “top DOG”.


“The first time I ever saw Emma on TV was the other day in my hotel room,” said Ben, clearly smarting over GMTV’s decision to replace departing Fiona Phillips with the Sky business news presenter.


“I was surprised to hear her name. It’s a very big job—GMTV does not have a narrow focus like business. She’ll have to get her head around a lot. We have to go from interviewing the Prime Minister one moment to talking about X Factor.”


Ben admitted he had backed pal Kate to get Fiona’s top slot—but GMTV have declared that all presenters are now on an equal footing. He said: “In my opinion she is the top dog on the show. I absolutely love working with her.”


Emma, 31, landed the plum £250,000-a-year role after Fiona quit to spend more time with her family.


Despite Ben’s uncomfortable welcome, Emma said: “I’m very excited to be joining Britain’s leading breakfast programme and working with Kate, who is a great talent.”

Source: News of the World