Ruth Langsford finally addresses claims she criticised 'This Morning replacement' Alison Hammond

Ruth Langsford has finally responded to claims that she made a dig at her apparent This Morning replacement Alison Hammond.

The TV star gave a recent interview in which she said she and Eamonn had "put the work in" rather than gaining stardom overnight from reality TV in a discussion about the couple's careers.

"We've put the work in. We didn't do a reality show and get an overnight job on the telly," she told Sunday Mirror's Notebook.

Many fans believed that Ruth was making the point about Alison, who is rumoured to be taking over Ruth and Eamonn's Friday presenting duties alongside Dermot O'Leary.

Ruth has now denied that she was speaking specifically about Alison – who shot to fame after appearing in Channel 4's Big Brother - clarifying her initial statement through her spokesperson.

"The comments from Ruth were made as a general observation in an interview conducted more than six weeks ago, about the industry and different routes into the business," Ruth's representative told MailOnline.

"Ruth was simply illustrating a point that whereas some presenters launch their careers by being on other TV programmes first, her and Eamonn's experience and career paths had taken a different and more traditional path.

"This wasn't directed at anyone in particular - indeed she has always been supportive of a number of her professional colleagues and friends who have taken this route."

According to OK, a source close to Eamonn said he thinks the This Morning reshuffle could be to do with his and Ruth's age.

"The viewers love them, but Eamonn has said to Ruth he wonders if it’s because they’re both 60 and too old," the insider said. "Ruth and Eamonn are both telly legends – they’ve done it all, so it seems unfair.

ITV poured cold water over the rumours, saying: "We have a stellar presenting line up on This Morning in Holly and Phillip and Eamonn and Ruth. Any additions to this line up will be announced in due course."