Alison Hammond Describes 'Vulnerable Place' After On-Air Health Scare

Alison Hammond has shared that she is in a "vulnerable place" following a frightening on-air incident where she believed she was having a heart attack. The incident occurred live on This Morning, prompting her to be taken off air and transported to a hospital for tests.

Speaking at the Attitude Awards, where she received The Honorary Gay award, Hammond's speech was read by her friend Kate Lawler. Hammond expressed that transitioning from bringing joy to others to struggling herself was a difficult shift. "I'm learning that vulnerability is not a weakness, and that's something this community has taught me throughout with love," she stated.

Recounting the event, Hammond acknowledged the public nature of her distress. "Having that moment happen so publicly was incredibly difficult," she said. She also extended gratitude to her co-star Dermot O'Leary for his support during the episode.

Following the incident, Hammond returned home from the hospital. Doctors informed her that she had experienced a "massive panic attack." She indicated a need to learn more about panic attacks while focusing on rest. "Hi everyone, I'm just getting in touch to let you all know I'm home, I'm safe, and I'm feeling so much better, thanks to everyone at the NHS who did the checks on my heart, lungs, bloods," she shared on social media.

Hammond described the experience as feeling "very real" and admitted it was a new world for her. She reassured viewers that she was recovering and would return to television soon. "I'm going to take stock, get some rest and I'll see you soon. Love ya."

Lawler elaborated on Hammond's experience, stating that it was "one of the scariest things she has gone through" and that Hammond had initially thought she was having a heart attack. The health scare occurred on a Friday episode of This Morning, where viewers saw Hammond clutch her chest before being taken off set. The show briefly continued with Dr. Scott before cutting to a commercial break, after which O'Leary announced Hammond would not be returning to the show that day.

A source confirmed that Hammond had been taken to the hospital but was believed to be in stable condition, having walked into the ambulance herself. Viewers expressed significant concern for the presenter on social media following the live broadcast.