Alison Hammond has addressed her recent health scare during a speech read out by her close friend at the Attitude Awards. The This Morning presenter was forced to run off set clutching her chest during a live broadcast, later ending up in hospital.
Big Brother star Kate Lawler read out a statement from Hammond at the ceremony, in which the TV presenter described the moment as "incredibly difficult." Lawler said Hammond thought she was having a heart attack, not a panic attack.
Speech read by Kate Lawler
Speaking on Hammond's behalf, Lawler said: "I've spoken to Alison since and it was one of the scariest things she has gone through. She didn't think she was having a panic attack, she thought she was having a f****** heart attack."
The speech continued: "I've always tried to bring joy, laughter and positivity to people. So suddenly being a person struggling, rather than making everyone else laugh, is a very vulnerable place to be. I'm learning that vulnerability is a weakness, and that's something this community has taught me throughout with love."
Reaction to the on-air incident
Hammond referenced the public nature of the episode, saying: "Some of you may have seen I've recently had a very public episode live on television. And let's be honest, if you're going to have a breakdown you might as well have it on ITV with loads of people watching."
She also addressed comments made by Katie Hopkins, who told Hammond to "get a grip" and called her a "chumbawomba" after the incident. Hammond said: "But seriously having that moment happen so publicly was incredibly difficult, despite what Katie Hopkins might think."
Praise for co-host Dermot O'Leary
Hammond praised her co-host Dermot O'Leary, who "handled it beautifully." In her speech, she joked: "I think Dermot deserves his own gay award because he is the gayest straight man on the planet. He is basically an honorary gay man already."
The Attitude Awards were hosted by Drag Race winner Danny Beard, the first drag artist to host the ceremony. Hammond was presented with The Honorary Gay Award at London's Roundhouse. The event was attended by more than 700 guests, including Donatella Versace, Pet Shop Boys, Ian McKellen, David Furnish and Alesha Dixon.
