Alison Hammond Hospitalized After Walking Off ‘This Morning’ Live With Heart Palpitations
The presenter left the ITV programme mid-broadcast on October 2 after becoming unwell. She has since returned home and says medical checks on her heart, lungs and blood were clear.
Alison Hammond was forced to leave ITV’s This Morning during Friday’s live broadcast after suddenly becoming unwell, clutching her chest and walking off the set.
The 51-year-old presenter was hosting alongside Dermot O’Leary when the incident happened during a segment involving TV vet Dr. Scott Miller. Hammond appeared distressed before leaving the camera area, with O’Leary helping her away from the set.
After an advert break, O’Leary returned to the programme alone and explained that Hammond was feeling unwell and had “ducked out.” He initially suggested she might return, but later confirmed that he would present the remainder of the show without her.
The sudden departure prompted concern among viewers, particularly because Hammond had appeared to clutch her chest shortly before leaving.
Hammond explains what happened
Later on Friday, Hammond shared an update from a hospital bed on Instagram, reassuring followers that she was being checked by doctors.
She explained that she had experienced a palpitation and was having her heart checked. At that point, she said she believed she was okay and wondered whether the episode might have been a panic attack.
Hammond also apologized for leaving the programme so abruptly, saying she would not normally walk away from a live television show.
The presenter thanked viewers for their messages and praised the medical staff caring for her.
Hammond is now home after further checks
On Saturday, Hammond provided a further update that brought more clarity to the incident.
She said she was “home,” “safe” and feeling much better, adding that NHS staff had checked her heart, lungs and blood. According to Hammond, those checks were clear.
She said the results indicated that she had experienced what she described as a “massive panic attack” during the live broadcast. Hammond also said the experience felt very real to her and that she was new to panic attacks and wanted to learn more about them.
For now, Hammond said she planned to take some time to rest before returning to work.
A long-running connection to This Morning
Hammond has been associated with This Morning for more than two decades, first appearing on the programme in 2003 before becoming one of its regular presenters in 2021. She has also built a wider television career, including her role as host of The Great British Bake Off alongside Noel Fielding.
Her sudden exit therefore stood out because she normally remains on air throughout the programme, something she herself acknowledged when explaining why she had left.
For viewers who watched the incident unfold, the latest update provides the key answer: Hammond has undergone medical checks, says the results were clear, and is now recovering at home.
