NEW This Morning regular Alison Hammond has been having ITV-arranged duty of care meetings after struggling with trolling over her replacing Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes.
The ex-I'm a Celebrity star, 45, has been hit with abuse from viewers furious that she and Dermot O'Leary will be taking over from Ruth and Eamonn as hosts on Fridays, a move confirmed on Monday and first reported by The Sun.
Despite putting on a brave front, TV insiders say Alison told bosses the backlash has taken a toll.
A source said: "Alison is a tough cookie, but the vitriol from some so-called fans of This Morning has been impossible for her to ignore.
"As a result of Love Island and Jeremy Kyle tragedies, ITV are very serious about duty of care and arranged to sit down with Alison to see how she was coping.
"Alison confided that while the Friday gig is her dream come true, staying positive had become a battle.
"She was given advice on how to stay strong mentally and prepared for what to expect after the announcement was confirmed.
"Now Alison is determined to move on from the drama and prove to everyone why she deserved this job."
Former Big Brother contestant Alison gave a small insight into her struggle, sharing an Instagram last week that read "strong people don't put others down".
She later said it was "an honour" to work alongside Ruth and Eamonn, as well as main hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.
She added: "I hope I can make you all proud ! I’m thrilled to have been given this incredible opportunity . Bring on 2021."
Ruth and Eamonn described their departure from the Friday show after 14 years as "a changing of the guard", saying: "We hope you make Alison and Dermot as welcome as you’ve made us over the years. Have a Ball you two!"
Referring to their new role covering Phil and Holly during holidays, they added: "It’s not Goodbye from us, it’s simply Au Revoir until the next half term."
Alison, who joined This Morning in 2003, will take over with X Factor host Dermot from January 8.
The Sun revealed this week that she has also signed on to host a reboot of classic gameshow Wheel of Fortune.
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