Don’t ask Ray Hadley about his private life – that’s what Karl Stefanovic found out on Tuesday morning.

The Today show host asked radio presenter Hadley, in an interview shortly before 7am, if he was “seeing anyone”.

After accusing Stefanovic of “perpetuating myths”, Hadley pulled out his earpiece and got up to walk off the set.

“There was a report last week that I was dating Delta Goodrem’s mum. I’ve never been to breakfast with her. Stop trying to perpetuate myths.

“Any private conversation we may have, you can’t keep to yourself,” Hadley told Stefanovic.

The interview had already been tense. While talking about the plans of Mosman Council to allow parking police to fine speeding drivers, Hadley questioned whether the segment was really news.

Later, when discussing rules for the use of drones in Darwin, Hadley called Stefanovic “irresponsible” for allowing his children to play with one. In response, Stefanovic put up his hands in a mock boxing gesture.

But it was the question Stefanovic asked about Hadley’s personal life that tipped the balance.

Hadley and his wife Suzanne had been married for 20 years when they announced their separation in 2011.

In February this year, the couple asked for privacy after Suzanne applied for and then withdrew AVOs against Hadley and his son, Daniel.

Hadley told Stefanovic he met Delta’s mother in the dry cleaners where they were both separately dropping off clothes.