Alison Hammond has broken her silence on her new television role, describing it as a 'full circle moment'. The beloved presenter is set to revive the iconic gameshow Name That Tune for ITV, and she admits that exercising self-control will be her biggest challenge.
Alison Hammond Returns to Saturday Night Television
The 51-year-old television personality has vowed to bring energy and excitement to the reboot of the classic musical quiz, which originally aired from the 1970s until 1987, hosted by Tom O'Connor and later Lionel Blair. The new series is expected to air on Saturday nights, potentially explaining why Hammond was not in contention to host BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing.
Speaking about the opportunity, Hammond said: "As a massive music lover, my biggest challenge as a host will be trying not to grab the mic and start singing along when one of my all-time favourite tunes comes on! And trust me… that will take serious self control!"
A Childhood Dream Realised
Hammond, who grew up watching the original show, described her involvement as a dream come true. "I grew up absolutely loving the original show so being part of this now feels like a real full-circle moment. I cannot wait to get into the studio, put the contestants through their paces, and see who really knows their music," she added.
The revived format will feature a live band playing iconic songs in a modern style, with a glitzy production. Hammond promised: "Let me tell you, being joined by the super-talented Name That Tune band, who'll be belting out some of the biggest songs on the planet in their own unique, electric style… oh, it's going to be next-level. Bigger, louder, and more feel-good than ever this is going to be EPIC!"
Strictly Come Dancing Speculation Addressed
Hammond, who competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2014, finishing in 10th place alongside Aljaž Škorjanec, was heavily linked to replace long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after their departure. However, she recently ruled herself out, citing scheduling conflicts.
Speaking to Radio Times, Hammond explained: "I'm so busy, that I'm not sure it [Strictly Come Dancing] is going to happen. It's unrealistic. I'm so happy they considered me but, like Traitors, I can't do it because everything clashes." She added: "I would have loved to have done it, anybody that gets it, they're going to land the perfect job. But I'm so happy with everything I've got. What would I drop, to do Strictly?"
ITV's Revival of Classic Shows
Name That Tune is the latest in a series of vintage ITV shows being revived with new hosts, following Bullseye with Freddie Flintoff and Wheel of Fortune presented by Graham Norton. The show involves contestants guessing song titles from clues, and the new version promises a modern makeover with a dedicated band.
The BBC has yet to confirm the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing or the lineup for The Traitors, with filming expected to begin in the coming weeks.
