Hi Annie

I have been in situations like this and yes it annoying and you feel like he is trying to take control.  Perhaps may be looking at it from a different point of view,  may be helpful is hard driven and want to do all he can to make a good impression.  You should have a talk with his boss and have them explain that his work should come first and that it is lacking.  Which not a good way to impress higher ups . As far as the gossip go don’t do it around him which actually shouldn’t be done at work at all ,to avoid conflicts at work. I only the other hand just text a few coworkers that I can trust during the day if I want to vent frustrations .