Alison Hammond has reassured fans after she was forced to leave This Morning during Friday’s live broadcast after suddenly becoming unwell. The 51-year-old presenter was hosting the ITV programme alongside Dermot O’Leary when she abruptly left the set during a segment about pets. Hammond was seen clutching her chest before she was helped away from the cameras by O’Leary.
O’Leary later addressed her absence after an ad break. “Welcome back to This Morning. Alison is feeling a little unwell, so she’s just had to duck out,” he told viewers. He initially added, “Hopefully she’ll be back.”
However, he later confirmed that Hammond would not return for the rest of the programme, saying: “Ali’s feeling a little unwell so I’ll be here for the rest of the show.”
What Happened To Alison Hammond On This Morning?
Hammond had been presenting the show with O’Leary when she suddenly appeared to become unwell during a pet phone-in with TV vet Dr Scott Miller. She was seen clutching her chest and appeared to be breathing heavily before leaving the set. O’Leary accompanied her away from the cameras, after which the programme went to an ad break.
Hammond was then taken to hospital for further checks. There has been no confirmed diagnosis released following the incident. Instead, Hammond herself gave fans an update from hospital later in the day.
What Did Alison Hammond Say From The Hospital?
Hammond posted a video from a hospital bed on Instagram Stories, wearing a hospital gown and speaking directly to concerned fans. She began by reassuring them that she was OK. “Hello, my lovelies, I know you’re all worried about me. Honestly, I am fine; first of all, but I’m getting me old ticker checked out,” she revealed, while putting a hand up to her chest.
Hammond then explained what she had experienced during the programme. “I had a little bit of a palpitation, and now I’m getting it all checked out, but I think I’m OK. I’m hoping it was just a little panic attack or something like that,” Hammond continued.
She thanked viewers for their messages before addressing her sudden departure from the programme.
She went on to apologise for leaving This Morning so abruptly. “I’m so sorry I left you; I would never normally do that. I would never leave a TV show. But, so you know, I wasn’t very well, but hopefully I’m gonna be alright.”
Hammond also praised the medical staff looking after her. “The doctors are so lovely, and they’re checking me out, and hopefully everything’s gonna be fine.” She ended the message on a typically light-hearted note, telling fans: “I love you,” before adding: “Everything is fine! Look, I’m rockin’ it… I’ve still got my makeup on from This Morning.”
What Is Alison Hammond’s Health History?
Hammond has previously spoken openly about making changes to her lifestyle after being diagnosed with pre-diabetes in 2020.
Speaking to Women’s Health about the diagnosis, she said, “My mum had Type 2 diabetes and she was worried for me, so when I then found out that I was pre-diabetic, that was frightening. I thought, ‘I have to be an adult about this’. The sweets had to stop, and the fatty foods.” She has since spoken extensively about exercise and working with personal trainers.
Hammond has also discussed osteoporosis and the role of weight training in her routine. In an interview with The Times, she explained, “If I’m not filming, the first thing I do — usually several hours before Aidan wakes up is go to the gym, where I’ll do some heavy lifting.
This is what she told, “I’ve been doing weights for ten years now and I can deadlift 65kg. It’s good for my mental health and to prevent osteoporosis. You’ve got to keep on top of things.” Her fitness journey has also formed part of her wider weight-loss story.
Hammond previously had a gastric band fitted in 2007 after reaching 28 stone. However, her body rejected the device and it was later removed. She has since spoken about losing around 11 stone through changes to her diet and exercise routine, including weight training, boxing and other forms of movement.
Is Alison Hammond OK?
For now, Hammond has reassured fans that she is “fine” and said doctors are checking her heart after she experienced a palpitation. There is currently no further confirmed diagnosis from Hammond or her representatives.
Her abrupt exit from This Morning understandably caused concern among viewers, but her hospital video offered a more reassuring update later in the day. Hammond is best known for This Morning and The Great British Bake Off, and has been a regular presence on British television for more than two decades. She first appeared on This Morning in 2003 and became a regular co-host in 2021.
