This Morning's Christmas Day special will feature an emotional moment when Alison Hammond receives what she calls the 'best Christmas present ever'. The 48-year-old presenter was reduced to tears after co-host Dermot O'Leary revealed a gift that honoured her late mother.
During the festive episode, Dermot asked Alison about her panto performance in Birmingham. When she confirmed she was performing at the Hippodrome, Dermot unveiled a surprise: a seat named 'Alison Hammond, TV Queen and pantomime star' at the theatre. The seat next to it was named after her mother, with a West Side Story lyric engraved, referencing her mother's favourite musical.
Alison broke down, saying, 'I’m so sorry I’m crying, you don’t understand what that would have meant to my mum.' She added, 'That’s the best Christmas present I ever had.' Dermot hugged her as she expressed her gratitude. The gift was a tribute to her late mother, with whom she used to visit the Hippodrome.
This Morning's Christmas Day special airs on ITV1 and ITVX at 10am. Alongside Alison and Dermot, co-hosts Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle join, with performances from Alexandra Burke and Gregory Porter. The show also features interviews with Brian Conley, Brenda Blethyn, and chef John Torode.
