Popular television presenter Alison Hammond has faced a professional setback as her first major primetime series for BBC1, Alison Hammond's Big Weekender, has been axed after a single season. The broadcaster has confirmed it has no plans to commission a second series of the celebrity interview show.
The Rise and Fall of 'The Big Weekender'
The six-part series, which aired on BBC1 last year, marked a significant milestone for Hammond, representing her first major solo vehicle on the flagship channel following her established success on ITV's This Morning and Channel 4's The Great British Bake Off. The format saw Alison spend a weekend with a famous guest, delving into their personal lives and careers in an informal setting.
Notable guests included Spice Girl Mel B, actor Luke Evans, comedian Jimmy Carr, and Little Mix star Perrie Edwards. Episodes featured candid conversations, with Evans discussing his childhood as a Jehovah's Witness, Carr talking openly about cosmetic surgery, and Edwards sharing her experiences with anxiety.
Despite the high-profile lineup, the show failed to secure a strong enough audience or critical impact to warrant a renewal. A BBC spokesperson stated: "We are proud of the series and loved working with Alison. Whilst there are currently no plans for any new episodes we are looking forward to working with her again in the future."
Hammond's Packed Schedule and New Ventures
While Big Weekender has concluded, Alison Hammond remains one of British television's busiest personalities. She continues as a co-host on The Great British Bake Off alongside Noel Fielding, a role she took over from Matt Lucas in 2023. She also fronts ITV's For The Love Of Dogs, having joined the beloved programme in 2024 following the death of its original host, Paul O'Grady.
Her other BBC project, the travel series Florida Unpacked which she filmed with her son Aidan for BBC Two, also awaits news on a potential second series.
Netflix Podcast Role Offers Silver Lining
The news of the BBC1 show's cancellation comes alongside a significant new opportunity for the broadcaster. Alison Hammond has landed a prominent role hosting Netflix's official Bridgerton podcast, launching to coincide with the premiere of the drama's fourth season at the end of January 2026.
In the podcast, Hammond will interview the cast and crew, including the new season's romantic leads Luke Thompson (Benedict Bridgerton) and Yerin Ha (Sophie Baek). The interviews will be available in video form on Netflix and YouTube, and as audio on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Furthermore, fans can look forward to a live-streamed premiere event in Paris on 14th January and various international fan events. The announcement provides a timely boost, demonstrating Hammond's continued appeal and versatility across different media platforms.
