TV presenter Alison Hammond has been discharged from hospital and is “feeling so much better” after abruptly leaving ITV’s This Morning during Friday’s live broadcast. The 51-year-old star was assisted off set by co-host Dermot O’Leary after appearing to clutch her chest during a pets segment at approximately 11:30 BST. Hammond later confirmed she had experienced “a little bit of a palpitation” and was undergoing medical tests.
On-Air Incident and Initial Response
Friday’s edition of the popular daytime programme began at 10:00 BST with Hammond and O’Leary presenting as usual. The situation changed dramatically when Hammond suddenly left the studio during the live broadcast. O’Leary addressed viewers directly, stating: “Welcome back to This Morning, Alison is feeling a little unwell, so she’s just had to duck out. Hopefully she’ll be back.” After returning from a commercial break, he updated the audience, explaining that Hammond would not be returning to the show that day and would continue alone for the remainder of the programme.
The incident occurred during a segment focusing on pets, adding an unexpected twist to what viewers expected to be a routine broadcast. Hammond’s abrupt departure prompted immediate concern among viewers and media outlets alike, with many taking to social media to express their well-wishes for the beloved presenter.
Hospital Tests and Public Statement
Following the incident, Hammond underwent medical evaluation at a hospital. In a video posted to Instagram on Saturday, she revealed the results of her tests, stating: “I’m all OK, all-clear, which would mean I had a massive panic attack on live TV. I mean, the shame of it.” She continued to share her experience openly, noting: “It felt very real to me. I’m really new to panic attacks, so I need to learn more about it.”
The presenter expressed gratitude towards NHS staff and her colleagues at This Morning, particularly O’Leary. “It’s really warmed my heart actually. I didn’t necessarily want to be on the news or anything like that but this is a new world to me,” she added. Hammond concluded her message by saying: “I’m going to take stock, take some rest and I’ll see you soon.”
Career Context and Public Reaction
Hammond first rose to prominence as a contestant on Channel 4’s reality programme Big Brother before building a successful career across various television platforms. She joined This Morning as a co-host in 2021 and was part of the presenting team that won a National Television Award for best daytime programme in 2022. More recently, she became a regular co-host on The Great British Bake Off and took over from the late Paul O’Grady on For the Love of Dogs in 2024.
The public response to Hammond’s health scare and subsequent recovery has been overwhelmingly supportive, with fans and colleagues alike wishing her a speedy recovery. Her candid discussion about experiencing what appears to be her first panic attack has also sparked conversations about mental health awareness in the entertainment industry.
While the exact cause of her symptoms remains under medical review, Hammond’s openness about her experience serves as a reminder of the importance of taking health concerns seriously, whether physical or mental in nature.
Why it Matters
Hammond’s experience highlights the unpredictable nature of health issues that can affect anyone, regardless of their public profile or apparent fitness. Her willingness to discuss what may have been a panic attack openly contributes to ongoing conversations about mental health in the workplace, particularly within high-pressure television environments. The incident also underscores the critical role of the NHS in providing timely medical care and the importance of television presenters taking proper time to recover fully before returning to demanding live broadcasting schedules. For viewers who may be experiencing similar symptoms, Hammond’s candid sharing serves as a gentle reminder that seeking medical attention is always the right course of action.
