Television presenter Alison Hammond returned home from the hospital and confirmed she is safe following a sudden health scare that forced her to abandon a live broadcast of ITV’s This Morning. The 51-year-old broadcaster exited the studio mid-show on Friday during a pet advice segment after experiencing physical distress, leaving co-host Dermot O’Leary to finish the episode alone.
Alison Hammond Hospitalized After Live Broadcast Departure
The broadcast began at 10:00 BST with Hammond and O’Leary hosting together. Just over an hour into the programme, at approximately 11:30 BST, Hammond clutched her chest while gasping for breath during a feature about pets. Production staff escorted her off the set immediately, prompting a commercial break.
When the show returned to air, O’Leary informed viewers of the sudden change. “Welcome back to This Morning, Alison is feeling a little unwell, so she’s just had to duck out. Hopefully she’ll be back,” he said. As the program continued without her return, O’Leary provided a second update to the audience, stating, “Ali’s feeling a little unwell so I’ll be here for the rest of the show.”
Outside the television studio, Hammond underwent an emergency medical evaluation before walking into an ambulance for transport to the hospital, according to a source cited by the Daily Mail. Hammond posted an Instagram Story from her hospital bed later that afternoon, wearing a hospital gown and telling her social media followers that she was fine.
Medical Tests Clear Presenter Following Panic Attack Diagnosis
In her social media video updates released from home and the hospital, Hammond explained the medical checks she underwent. “Thanks to everyone at the NHS who did the checks on my heart, lungs, bloods, I’m all okay, it’s all clear, which would mean I had a massive panic attack on live TV. I mean, the shame of it,” she said.
Hammond admitted that the experience caught her completely unawares. “It felt very real to me, you know, I’m really new to panic attacks so I need to learn more about it,” she stated. She had initially told fans in her hospital bed update that she was getting her “old ticker checked out” after experiencing “a little bit of a palpitation.”
Reflecting on the broadcast incident, Hammond expressed gratitude for the support she received from her colleagues and viewers. “I just wanted to say a massive thank you to This Morning who looked after me, all of your messages, Dermot, who’s just been incredible,” she said. She added that she plans to take some time to rest before returning to her television duties.
Hammond rose to fame on reality television
Hammond rose to fame as a contestant on the Channel 4 reality show Big Brother in 2002 before joining This Morning as a roving reporter in 2003. She became a regular Friday co-host on the ITV daytime program in 2021, and was part of the presenting team that won a National Television Award for best daytime programme the following year.
Alongside her work on This Morning, Hammond’s presenting portfolio has expanded significantly in recent years. She took over co-hosting duties on The Great British Bake Off alongside Noel Fielding in 2023, and began hosting For the Love of Dogs in 2024 following the passing of Paul O’Grady.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alison Hammond’s Health Scare
What symptoms did Alison Hammond experience on live television?
Hammond experienced physical distress, clutched her chest while gasping for breath, and felt heart palpitations during a live pet advice segment on This Morning.
Which medical tests did Alison Hammond receive at the hospital?
NHS medical staff performed checks on her heart, lungs, and blood, all of which came back clear, leading to the conclusion that she had a panic attack.
Who hosted the remainder of the ITV broadcast after Hammond left?
Dermot O’Leary anchored the remainder of the live episode alone after Hammond was escorted off set and transported to the hospital.
What other television shows does Alison Hammond currently present?
Hammond co-hosts The Great British Bake Off alongside Noel Fielding and presents For the Love of Dogs on ITV.
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