Alison Hammond abruptly left the This Morning studio during Friday's broadcast (Oct 2), prompting concerned viewers to take to social media. The presenter, 51, was hosting alongside Dermot O'Leary and conducting a phone-in segment about pets at home with Dr Scott.
During a conversation with a caller, it became clear that Hammond had suddenly departed the studio, the Mirror reports. Worried viewers quickly shared their reactions on X, with one writing: "What on earth has happened with Alison? Hope she's okay."
Viewers react to sudden exit
Another viewer commented: "I mean, I don't know about anyone else but I just can't concentrate on this phone-in now." A third questioned: "Is Alison okay?"
Someone else noted: "This is all rather weird, they all seem distracted by something happening off-screen. Whenever they cut to Dermot or Scott they're clearly looking at something else going on." A fifth asked: "What on earth is going on? !" as yet another added: "They all looked shook up."
Dermot explains Alison's absence
Following the commercial break, O'Leary acknowledged Hammond's disappearance from the programme. He explained: "Welcome back to This Morning, Alison is feeling a little unwell, so she's just had to duck out. Hopefully she'll be back."
He subsequently informed viewers she wouldn't be rejoining the show, stating: "Ali's feeling a little unwell so I'll be here for the rest of the show."
Alison's career and recent comments
Hammond has become a household name on British television following her breakthrough on Big Brother in 2002. Since then, she's appeared on programmes including Strictly Come Dancing, and has presented The Great British Bake Off and For The Love of Dogs.
She recently responded to criticism about her career and worries regarding becoming "overexposed". Speaking to The Guardian, she said: "If I need to rest up or a job doesn't appeal, I won't do it. I'm good at saying no. I turn down 10 things per day, no exaggeration."
Alison added: "It looks like I'm on TV a lot, sure, but I stand out partly because it's still not the norm to see a Black woman doing this. I don't want to bring race into it, but no one says that about Davina [McCall] or Ant and Dec."
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX.
