Alison Hammond returned to Friday's This Morning after suffering a panic attack live on the show last week. The presenter was hosting the ITV daytime programme alongside Dermot O'Leary on Friday, October 2, when she was rushed off-air.
During the broadcast, Alison could be seen clutching her chest before leaving the studio, helped by Dermot. He later explained that she was feeling "unwell" and would not be returning to the show that day.
Health update and hospital check
Alison later took to social media to thank viewers for their support, confirming that she was getting her heart checked in hospital. In another update, she confirmed she was "all OK, all-clear, which would mean I had a massive panic attack on live TV. I mean, the shame of it."
"It felt very real to me. I'm really new to panic attacks, so I need to learn more about it," she continued. "I didn't necessarily want to be on the news or anything like that but this is a new world to me," Alison added. "I'm going to take stock, take some rest and I'll see you soon."
Return to the show
Alison has now returned to This Morning alongside Dermot, stepping in as usual for Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley on Fridays. They took over from Lorraine Kelly's ITV programme at 10am, with Alison addressing her previous absence as the show opened.
Ending her show, Lorraine said: "I am so delighted to say that This Morning is up next because Dermot is here, and Alison, hooray!" Alison replied: "I'm going to tell you everything guys." Appearing to reference Holly Willoughby's infamous comment, Alison added: "Are you ok? I hope you are."
Support from co-stars
Ben and Cat had sent their love to Alison when This Morning returned this week. Ben admitted that the show had faced "a little bit of a scare" when she was taken off air. Cat added: "We wanted to start with some good news about Alison. After she felt unwell during the show, she was taken to hospital to get checked but now, thankfully, she's been given the all clear."
After a clip of Alison thanking the This Morning team and sharing an update on her health, Cat blew a kiss and Ben said: "And we love you, sending you lots of love. She's sent lots of messages about how supported she is by everyone at home. In fact, she was most disappointed to miss out on Saturday soup!"
Alison rose to fame after appearing as a contestant on Big Brother in 2002, before going on to star on I'm A Celebrity, Strictly Come Dancing, and now as a presenter of The Great British Bake Off and For the Love of Dogs. This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX.
