NANCY VS. MARIA ACCESS CATFIGHT

The claws are out on the set of Access Hollywood, where an inside source says perky host Nancy O'Dell and sexy correspondent Maria Menounos are each going for the jugular.

"It's a real catfight," the source titters. "They refuse to work together and hate being in the same room with each other. Makeup and hair staffers have to schedule the times far apart!"

The feud began when Nancy, 40, griped to the show's brass that "Maria isn't interested in being a journalist. She just wants to be a star," the source says. Nancy further complained that Maria, 28, a former actress, received special treatment, got more air time and was given extra days off to pursue working in films.

Not one to keep quiet, Maria counters that Nancy is simply jealous because Maria's "younger and prettier," the source says. Meow!

Now speculation is rampant on the set that Nancy is secretly pursuing new projects outside of Access Hollywood. "She knows her high value and she's tired of having to fight for her own show," the insider warns. "There's interest in her from other shows and she feels the time may be right to pursue those options."

— MEAGHAN MURPHY