Alison Hammond returned to This Morning today after being rushed off air last Friday when she fell ill, leaving co-host Dermot O'Leary to explain her absence. The 51-year-old presenter opened the show by thanking her co-host and fans, describing the incident as "one of the scariest things that i've ever been through it was surreal."
What happened on air
An hour into last Friday's programme, Alison left the broadcast during a phone-in with pet owners and Dr Scott. Cameras caught Dermot helping Alison out of the studio while Dr Scott looked concerned. Dermot later said: "Ali's feeling a little unwell so I'll be here for the rest of the show."
Alison later confirmed on Instagram that she was in hospital having her heart checked after suffering a "little bit of a palpitation." She updated fans that she was on the mend and thanked them for their love and support.
Alison's explanation
Speaking on her return, Alison said: "I felt like I went into the other world, I felt like I was in that TV show, I was in the upside down world I couldn't grasp my breath and it was a panic attack."
She added: "I feel guilty that I didn't have a heart condition or anything because it was so much of a fuss but I didn't know, it was the first time i've ever experienced anything like that and secondly it was live on TV and I thought 'oh my god my son might be watching', so I just ran. I would never do that normally but I just couldn't catch my breath, which I now know is adrenaline, I genuinely thought I was having a heart attack."
Recognition at Attitude Awards
On October 7, Alison was recognised at the Attitude Awards in London. Big Brother star Kate Lawler read out a speech penned by Alison in which she spoke of the "incredibly difficult" incident. Kate said: "I've spoken to Alison since and it was one of the scariest things she has gone through. She didn't think she was having a panic attack, she thought she was having a f****** heart attack."
In her speech, Alison said: "I've always tried to bring joy, laughter and positivity to people. So suddenly being a person struggling, rather than making everyone else laugh, is a very vulnerable place to be. I'm learning that vulnerability is a weakness, and that's something this community has taught me throughout with love."
