Alison Hammond Reflects on Public Health Scare, Calls it 'Vulnerable Place'

Alison Hammond has described feeling in a "vulnerable place" following a recent on-air health scare where she feared she was having a heart attack. The incident, which occurred live on the morning television show "This Morning," led to her being taken off air and subsequently hospitalized for tests.

Speaking through a friend at the Attitude Awards, Hammond, 51, shared her experience, stating, "So suddenly being a person struggling, rather than making everyone else laugh, is a very vulnerable place to be." She added, "I'm learning that vulnerability is not a weakness, and that's something this community has taught me throughout with love."

The presenter recounted the public nature of the episode, saying, "Having that moment happen so publicly was incredibly difficult." She expressed gratitude to her co-star Dermot O'Leary for his support during the difficult time and for continuing the show.

Following her hospital visit, doctors informed Hammond that she had experienced a "massive panic attack." She acknowledged a need to "learn more" about panic attacks and indicated she was taking time to rest and recover. "I'm all OK, it's all clear which would mean I had a massive panic attack on live TV," she said in a subsequent update. "It felt very real to me, I'm really new to panic attacks."

Recalling the event, a friend noted that Hammond did not initially believe it was a panic attack, thinking instead that she was "having a f****** heart attack."

Viewers expressed concern for Hammond after she was seen clutching her chest and was rushed off set. The show initially stated she was "feeling just a little unwell," but later confirmed she would not be returning for the remainder of the broadcast. A source confirmed she went to the hospital but was believed to be okay, having walked into the ambulance herself.