The book, The Amateur, written by Edward Klein, the former editor of the New York Times Magazine, portrays the First Lady as jealous of the access and influence the talk show host had over her husband. It also suggests Mrs Obama criticised Miss Winfrey’s weight.

Mr Klein claims that despite an initially warm relationship, the friendship became fractured shortly after Mr Obama’s election victory.

It alleges that Valerie Jarrett and Desirée Rogers, advisers to Mrs Obama, became concerned at how close Oprah, whose support for Mr Obama in 2008 was seen as crucial, was becoming to the First Family.

The book refers to an alleged disagreement the pair had over Mrs Obama’s childhood obesity campaign. According to the author Oprah had offered to feature the campaign on her television show but was rebuffed by Mrs Obama.

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