Chronological coverage updated 3rd October 2026 14:21.
Update 1 · 3rd October 2026
Alison Hammond Recovering at Home After Panic Attack Forces On-Air Exit
Television presenter Alison Hammond is resting at home after undergoing medical tests at a hospital following an unexpected health scare during a live broadcast of ITV's This Morning. The 51-year-old host left the set midway through Friday's show while clutching her chest, prompting co-host Dermot O'Leary to assist her off camera.
The live broadcast had commenced at 10:00 BST with both hosts presenting as usual. However, Hammond was forced to duck out around 11:30 BST during a segment focused on pets. Returning from a commercial break, O'Leary initially informed viewers that Hammond was feeling slightly unwell and hoped she would return before later confirming she would be absent for the remainder of the episode.
Hospital Check-Up and Instagram Update
After experiencing palpitations, Hammond attended a hospital to undergo heart check-ups. Following the examinations, she received an all-clear from medical staff and confirmed that the physical symptoms were caused by a massive panic attack on live television.
BBC News reportedly quoted Alison Hammond (TV presenter speaking in an Instagram video update) as saying: “It felt very real to me. I'm really new to panic attacks, so I need to learn more about it”.
Hammond expressed gratitude toward NHS hospital staff and her colleagues at This Morning for their support during the incident. She noted that while she had not intended to make headline news, the experience was entirely new to her, and she plans to take time off to rest and recover.
BBC News reportedly quoted Alison Hammond (TV presenter reflecting on the support she received) as saying: “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”.
A Staple of British Daytime Television
Hammond first achieved national prominence as a contestant on Channel 4's Big Brother before appearing on shows such as I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Strictly Come Dancing. She officially joined This Morning as a regular co-host in 2021, forming part of the team that captured a National Television Award for best daytime programme in 2022.
In addition to her morning television duties, Hammond joined The Great British Bake Off as a presenter in 2023 and took over hosting responsibilities on For the Love of Dogs in 2024 following the death of Paul O'Grady.
- Alison Hammond suffered a live broadcast panic attack on This Morning but received a full medical all-clear after hospital tests.
- She is taking time off from her television duties to rest and recover at home.