Alison Hammond has hit back at trolls who mocked the panic attack she suffered live on air, saying the experience was "very scary" as she feared it was a heart attack.
The This Morning presenter, 51, was forced to rush off stage during the ITV show after suddenly being hit by the attack. Viewers saw her clutch at her chest, and her co-star Dermot O'Leary helped her off stage as a retch was heard in the background. Later that day, Alison went to hospital to have her heart checked, where doctors were not worried and concluded it was a big panic attack rather than a heart attack.
Troll video and response
Following the incident, a video was posted by Katie Hopkins in which she told the star to "get a grip", repeatedly called her a "chumbawomba" in a reference to her weight, and criticised her for making a "massive fuss" about having a panic attack.
In response, Alison commented under the video, saying: "I'm still a chumbawomba babs!! I thought it was a heart attack, it was very scary. I wouldn't wish it on anyone, even you, because you are beautiful on the inside and out."
Health update and thanks
Alison last updated fans on her condition when she got home from hospital. Taking to Instagram, she said: "Hi everyone, I'm just getting in touch to let you all know 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. It's all ok, all clear - which would mean I had a massive panic attack on live TV... I mean the shame of it."
The TV star explained she was genuinely worried about her heart, saying: "It all felt very real to me. I'm new to panic attacks and need to learn about it." She added: "I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone at This Morning who looked after me and all of your messages." Praising her co-host, she said: "Dermot has just been incredible."
Appearing to wipe a tear from her eye, she finished: "It's really warmed my heart. I mean, I didn't necessarily want to be on the news, but this is a new world to me. I'm going to take stock, get some rest and I'll see you soon." Blowing a kiss, the former Big Brother housemate signed off: "Love ya!"
Career and health journey
Alison first appeared on This Morning in 2003, a year after finding fame on Big Brother, and became a co-host in 2021. She is known for memorable TV moments and celebrity interviews, such as playing Connect 4 with Beyonce, and also co-hosts The Great British Bake Off alongside Noel Fielding.
She has often been open about her health, revealing she wanted to lose weight after being diagnosed as pre-diabetic. Through a moderated diet, a dedicated personal trainer, and a mix of boxing, weights, and Pilates, she has lost 11 to 13.5 stone naturally. She has denied using weight loss jabs but says she does not judge anyone who chooses to use them. "For me, as soon as I hear any scare story, I get frightened. So I haven't wanted to use them," she admitted. "What does it matter how people lose weight? Would you rather me die from being obese? If you want the jabs, if you want to go do gastric surgery, do it. Ultimately, we should want people to live longer."
