Clinton Kelly, known for his role as a co-host on TLC’s What Not to Wear from 2003 to 2013, shared his thoughts on the real story behind his fallout with Stacy London during the filming of the hit fashion series. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Kelly revealed how their strained relationship made it “really hard to go to work for 60 hours a week and pretend to be nice” while working together on the show.

The What Not to Wear Reunion: Clinton Kelly and Stacy London Reconnect

The duo, who became household names on What Not to Wear, have since reconciled and reunited for a new project on Prime Video, titled Wear Whatever the F You Want. The new series, set to premiere on April 29, 2025, marks the first time Kelly and London have collaborated in over a decade, after a period of tension that followed Kelly’s 2017 memoir.

Behind the Scenes of What Not to Wear and the Fallout Between Clinton Kelly and Stacy London

Kelly and London’s chemistry was the backbone of What Not to Wear, but, as Kelly reveals, their relationship wasn’t always smooth. “I challenge anybody to sit next to their best friend for 10 years, 16 hours a day, without taking vacations and without weekends off and not get into a fight,” Kelly explains. “At a certain point, I just wanted to be alone.”

In his memoir, Kelly described his and London’s dynamic as a “love-hate relationship,” which some took out of context, fueling speculation about their alleged animosity. London, 55, admits that when she read about their supposed feud, she was taken aback by the “clickbait” headlines, but she quickly realized that communication was key to clearing the air.

The Real Story: Forces Beyond Their Control

Kelly further elaborated on the challenges of working on What Not to Wear, pointing to external pressures that contributed to their occasional tension. “There were so many people behind the scenes, and sometimes when a showrunner doesn’t have a really good attitude, it’s really hard to go to work for 60 hours a week and pretend to be nice,” Kelly said, highlighting how these behind-the-scenes forces exacerbated their struggles.

London adds that season 6 of What Not to Wear was particularly challenging, describing it as “666,” a reference to the difficulties they faced during that time. But despite these struggles, the pair managed to work through their differences, and their professional bond ultimately strengthened.

Reunion for Wear Whatever the F You Want

The duo’s reunion was a long time in the making. Kelly, 56, shared that after working on other projects, he realized that no one could replace London as his co-host. “I realized that the only person who could ever do this show with me is Stacy London,” Kelly said, reflecting on their years of collaboration.

When Kelly approached London with the idea for Wear Whatever the F You Want, she was immediately on board. “I thought it was a genius idea,” London said. After 12 years apart, their reunion felt like a natural progression. Both agreed that they had grown as individuals and that the time apart allowed them to establish their own identities outside of their partnership.

How Wear Whatever the F You Want Reflects Their Growth

The new show is a reflection not just of the evolution of style but also of their personal growth. Wear Whatever the F You Want focuses on helping people embrace their own style, with Kelly and London working closely with their clients to create personalized makeovers. Unlike their time on What Not to Wear, the new series places a stronger emphasis on communication and collaboration.

“There’s no ‘I need to take five,’” Kelly explained. “We talk more, and we’ve learned how to communicate better.” London agrees, stating that their relationship is now “more open and honest,” with both hosts actively engaging in the creative process together.

The Evolution of Style and Their Relationship

As Kelly and London continue their professional journey, they’ve come to appreciate their unique fashion philosophies. “We get each other,” Kelly said, explaining that the two have always had a deep understanding of each other’s sense of style, which only deepened over time. Their new series not only showcases fashion but also highlights the importance of personal growth and the power of friendship.

“We laugh all the time,” Kelly added. “Sometimes it’s on camera, sometimes it’s off, but it’s really a joy to work together again.”

Conclusion: The Power of Reconciliation and Personal Growth

Wear Whatever the F You Want is not just a fashion makeover show; it’s a testament to the power of reconciliation and personal growth. After years of navigating challenges both on and off-camera, Clinton Kelly and Stacy London have come full circle, showing viewers that with open communication and understanding, even the most complicated relationships can evolve and thrive.