Alison Hammond left the This Morning set during Friday’s live broadcast on 2 October after feeling unwell, later explaining from a hospital bed that doctors checked her heart following a palpitation. The 51-year-old presenter, who co-hosts the ITV programme alongside Dermot O’Leary, reassured fans on social media that she was fine and hoped the incident was a panic attack. She told her 1.9 million followers, “I’m so sorry I left you,” adding that she would not normally leave a TV show.
Live Broadcast Departure During Pet Segment
Scott Miller. When the broadcast returned from an advertising break, O’Leary, 53, addressed viewers. “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. O’Leary, a former X Factor host, later confirmed she would not return for the rest of the programme, stating: “Ali’s feeling a little unwell so I’ll be here for the rest of the show.”
Presenter Attributes Hospital Visit to Panic Attack
On Friday evening, Hammond posted an Instagram story from a hospital bed wearing a hospital gown and makeup from the morning broadcast. “I know you’re all worried about me. Honestly, I am fine, first of all, but I’m getting my old ticker checked out,” she said. She joked in a caption that it was “anything to have a day off” and noted that she was “rocking it” despite the circumstances. On Saturday, Hammond provided another update stating her heart, lungs, and blood tests came back clear. “I had a massive panic attack on live TV—the shame of it!” she told followers, adding that she is new to panic attacks and needs to learn more about them. She thanked the NHS staff for the checks and shared a video montage of her funniest moments to cheer herself up.
Fans Express Concern on Social Media
Viewers shared immediate alarm online as the broadcast continued without Hammond. Fans posted on X asking what happened to the presenter, with some noting they heard a retch in the background while Dr. Scott Miller looked on.
Hammond Builds Extensive Television Career
Hammond rose to fame as a contestant on Channel 4’s Big Brother in 2002. She joined This Morning in 2003 and became a co-host in 2021, alongside appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!. She is known for celebrity interviews, including playing Connect 4 with Beyoncé. Alongside her work on ITV, she co-hosts The Great British Bake Off with comedian Noel Fielding, appearing alongside judges Paul Hollywood and Nigella Lawson.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Alison Hammond leave This Morning?
Hammond left the live broadcast on Friday, 2 October, during a segment about pets after feeling unwell.
What did doctors test at the hospital?
Hammond stated that medical staff checked her heart, lungs, and bloods following a palpitation on set.