Alison Hammond reveals ‘massive panic attack’ after being rushed to hospital during live broadcast
A popular TV host has revealed what forced her off-air and into hospital after a frightening health scare unfolded live on television.
Alison Hammond has broken her silence on the terrifying moment she was forced to abandon a live television broadcast, clutching her chest and struggling to breathe.
The This Morning presenter was rushed to hospital after suddenly falling ill on-air, with the 51-year-old later revealing she had suffered a “massive panic attack”.
Hours after the frightening incident, Hammond confirmed she was back home and had been given the all-clear following checks on her heart, lungs and blood.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Hi everyone, I’m just getting in touch to let you all know that 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 and bloods. I’m all okay,” she began.
“It’s all clear, which would mean I had a massive panic attack on live TV. I mean the shame of it. It felt really real to me. I’m really new to panic attacks, I need to learn more about it.
“I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone at This Morning who looked after me, all of your messages, Dermot, who has just been incredible.”
The health scare unfolded while Hammond was presenting alongside Dermot O’Leary and taking part in a segment with veterinarian Dr Scott Miller.
During the segment, the Great British Bake Off host appeared to become increasingly unwell before getting up from the sofa and leaving the set while breathing heavily.
The program then cut to an advertisement break.
When This Morning returned, O’Leary addressed Hammond’s sudden disappearance and told viewers she had been forced to step away.
“Welcome back to This Morning, Ali is feeling just a little unwell so she’s just had to duck out,” he said.
“Hopefully, she’ll be back in a sec.”
However, Hammond’s condition meant she was unable to return to the program.
O’Leary later confirmed he would continue presenting without his co-host, explaining, “so I’ll be here for the rest of the show”.
Hammond was subsequently taken to hospital, where doctors carried out checks on her heart, lungs and blood before clearing her to return home.
She later addressed worried fans in a video posted to Instagram, admitting the experience had caught her off guard as she had little previous experience with panic attacks.
Hammond said she would now take some time to recover following the frightening live television incident.
“It’s really warmed my heart, actually. I didn’t want to be on the news or anything like that. This is a new world to me. I’m going to take stock, get some rest, and I’ll see you soon. Love you.”
Hammond first rose to prominence as a contestant on Big Brother in 2002 before becoming one of British television’s most recognisable presenters.
She became a regular presenter on This Morning in 2021 and has co-hosted The Great British Bake Off since 2023.
Hammond also took over hosting duties on For the Love of Dogs in 2024.
