What is Lorraine Kelly's problem with Esther McVey?

Lorraine Kelly has been accused of snubbing Esther McVey in a very awkward encounter on live TV.

The Scottish TV presenter - famous for her friendly onscreen persona - and the 51-year-old Conservative politician used to work together on breakfast show GMTV.

Kelly, 59, was put on the spot by Good Morning Britain hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid during a live link-up this morning to tell viewers what was coming up on her show, when they asked her if she remembered their guest, McVey.

Kelly nodded, tight-lipped before replying frostily: “Yeah. Yes I do.”

The smiley TV presenter hastily moved on with the list of items coming up on Lorraine.

Read more: Lorraine Kelly dodges £1.2m tax bill with bizarre legal loophole

Morgan then pushed Kelly further asking her: “So you got on with Esther then Lorraine?”

Kelly shook her head, and looked away, before adding: “I don’t remember love. I don’t remember at all. I really don’t. It was an awfully long time ago.”

Morgan laughed: “Ooh, if looks could kill, she’d be six feet under.”

Kelly again shook her head and looked away from camera, shuffling papers in her lap.

Kelly recently avoided paying £1.2 million in tax, after a judge ruled she’s performing “the role of a friendly, chatty and fun personality” during her morning appearances on ITV rather than appearing as herself.

But viewers were quick to speculate why Kelly appeared to drop her persona when asked about her ex-colleague.

Josh Barrie wrote: “Is it Lorraine Kelly or ‘Lorraine Kelly who doesn’t like Esther McVey?”

Julian Druker tweeted: “The mother of all tumbleweed moments between Lorraine Kelly and Esther McVey just then.”

Read more: Lorraine Kelly in sexism row after ogling topless Poldark photo

Andy Hennessey posted: “Lorraine Kelly and Esther McVey. Ouch that was uncomfortable viewing.”

And many accused Kelly of “throwing shade” at Mcvey with her reaction.