This Morning star Alison Hammond has openly addressed the significant 22-year age gap between herself and her boyfriend, Russian model and massage therapist David Putman. In a candid interview with the Daily Mail, the Birmingham-born television presenter expressed her understanding of public curiosity while questioning societal double standards.
Addressing Public Interest and Double Standards
"I completely understand why people are interested when there's a 22-year gap," Alison stated, before adding a pointed observation: "But what I find interesting is that it's not as interesting when it's the man who is older. Why is that? I just want people to be happy for us. We are absolutely in love."
How They Met and Relationship Dynamics
The couple's romance began when Alison booked the towering 6ft 10in model for a £150 massage at her home. Sparks flew immediately between them, leading to what Alison describes as a perfectly complementary partnership. She characterizes David as "mature and sensible," while humorously admitting she's "so not" in comparison.
Gushing about her partner's qualities, Alison revealed: "He just has the most beautiful energy and everyone feels it when they're in his presence. It's very rare. I am so grateful that he chooses to spend his life with me."
Marriage Prospects and Public Teasing
While wedding bells aren't immediately imminent, Alison has playfully teased audiences about potential engagement rumors. During a celebrity gossip segment on This Morning last summer alongside co-presenter Dermot O'Leary, she spotted headlines about herself and exclaimed: "Oh my God! Apparently I am engaged?"
In a humorous moment, she joked about swapping her eye-catching diamond ring to another finger "to stop these rumors." Speaking more seriously in December, Alison clarified their current stance: "We live together, and we're happy the way it is. I don't need a ring to show my love to somebody. What I will say is, if he asked me tomorrow to marry him, it wouldn't be a 'no'. That's all I'm going to say to you."
Privacy and Personal Growth
The mother-of-one, whose wealth is estimated at around £4 million, typically prefers to keep details of her personal life private. "I don't like to go into detail about him, because it's my private life, and I want to respect his life as well," she explained. Nevertheless, she confirmed that those close to her are fully aware she's completely "loved-up."
Alison, who also presents Bake Off and Love of Dogs, shared that being in this relationship has made her "more patient" and "kinder," adding that she cherishes having someone to "care for" and has "never been happier."
Family Disapproval and Cultural Differences
The primary challenge in their romance appears to be David's mother, Olga, who reportedly disapproves of the age-gap relationship. Sources close to the couple told The Sun that Olga, 64, believes Alison is too mature for her son and is uncomfortable with how Alison's fame has thrust David into the public spotlight.
"She's uncomfortable that her son is with someone who has so much more financial power than him," an insider revealed. "Olga's traditional values don't sit well with their relationship. She's told him in no uncertain terms that he must end it."
Another source added context about Olga's background: "Olga raised her children in the Orthodox Church. This kind of relationship doesn't fit her beliefs." She has reportedly made several calls to David from her home in Sochi, on the Black Sea coast, urging him to reconsider his romantic choices.
David's Stance and Relationship Future
Despite his mother's misgivings, David remains content with how his romance with Alison is progressing. Sources indicate it seems unlikely that Olga's concerns will significantly influence his decisions about the relationship. The couple continues to navigate both public scrutiny and private family dynamics while maintaining their commitment to each other.
