Birmingham-born television presenter Alison Hammond has spoken out about the 22-year age gap between herself and her partner, Russian model and massage therapist David Putman. In an interview with the Daily Mail, the 49-year-old said: 'I completely understand why people are interested when there's a 22-year gap. 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.'
The couple first met when Hammond booked Putman for a £150 massage. She described him as 'mature and sensible', while she admits she is 'so not'. Gushing about her beau, she said: '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.'
Despite speculation, wedding bells are not yet ringing. Hammond playfully addressed engagement rumours on This Morning last summer, shifting a diamond ring to another finger while joking: 'Let me swap it over to stop these rumours.' In December, she said: 'We live together, and we're happy the way it is. I don't need a ring to show my love to somebody. If he asked me tomorrow to marry him, it wouldn't be a no.'
The only reported difficulty in their romance is Putman's mother, Olga, 64, who is said to disapprove of the age gap. A source told The Sun that Olga, who lives in Sochi, Russia, believes Hammond is too mature for her son and is uncomfortable with his sudden public profile. The source added: 'She's uncomfortable that her son is with someone who has so much more financial power than him. Olga's traditional values don't sit well with their relationship. She's told him in no uncertain terms that he must end it.'
Despite his mother's concerns, Putman remains content with the relationship. Hammond, whose wealth is estimated at £4 million, prefers to keep details of her personal life private, saying: '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 added that being in a relationship makes her 'more patient' and 'kinder', and that she cherishes having someone to 'care for'.
