Alison Hammond has reassured fans she is recovering after being taken to hospital during Friday's This Morning broadcast, later revealing she had suffered a panic attack on live television.
The presenter left the ITV daytime show around an hour into the programme on October 2 after becoming unwell. Co-host Dermot O'Leary explained her sudden departure, saying she had to "duck out" because she was feeling unwell.
On-air departure and hospital visit
During a phone-in segment with Dr Scott, cameras captured O'Leary helping Hammond leave the studio. O'Leary told viewers: "Welcome back to This Morning, Alison is feeling a little unwell, so she's just had to duck out. Hopefully she'll be back."
Hammond later confirmed she was in hospital having her heart examined after experiencing what she called a "little bit of a palpitation". In a video shared on Instagram on Friday evening, she said: "Hello my lovelies, I know you're all worried about me. Honestly, I am fine first of all but I'm getting my old ticker checked out."
Panic attack revealed
She continued: "I had a little bit of a palpitation and now I'm getting it all checked out but I think I'm okay. I'm hoping it's just a little panic attack or something like that." Hammond apologised for leaving the show, saying she would never normally do so, and thanked fans for their messages.
In a second update on October 3, Hammond disclosed she had experienced a panic attack. She said: "I'm home. I'm safe and I'm feeling so much better." She thanked the NHS team who cared for her, adding: "I'm all okay. It's all clear, which would mean I had a massive panic attack on live TV. The shame of it."
Support and recovery
Hammond said the experience felt very real to her and that she is new to panic attacks, adding: "I'm going to take stock, get some rest and I'll see you soon." She also thanked everyone at This Morning for looking after her.
Since Friday, fans have been monitoring her social media for updates. In an Instagram story shared on October 3, Hammond posted a throwback photo from her Big Brother days with the caption "Alison Hammond's funny moments" and the tag: "Just cheering myself up."
