Alison Hammond has shared an emotional update with fans after being in a “vulnerable place”. The This Morning presenter was rushed off set last week after she feared she was “having a heart attack” live on air. The 51-year-old has now shared a message as she continues to recover.
Attitude Awards speech
Alison was recognised at the Attitude Awards in London on Wednesday (October 7). Big Brother star Kate Lawler read out a speech penned by Alison in which she spoke of the “incredibly difficult” incident, reports The Mirror.
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.”
Alison's 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.”
Alison, who won the Honorary Gay award, also apologised for not being at the event. She said: “Some of you may have seen I've recently had a very public episode live on television. And let's be honest, if you’re going to have a breakdown you might as well have it on ITV with loads of people watching.”
Thanks to Dermot O'Leary
Alison also praised her co-star Dermot O’Leary who was on air with her when she rushed off set. She said: “Dermot O’Leary handled it beautifully. I think Dermot deserves his own gay award because he is the gayest straight man on the planet. He is basically an honorary gay man already.”
At the time, Dermot explained her absence by saying that she was feeling “unwell” and would not be returning to the programme that day.
'I'm going to be alright'
Alison later took to social media from hospital to reassure viewers that she was okay, after sparking concern. She said: "I know you're all worried about me. Honestly, I am fine. First of all, I'm getting my old ticker checked out."
She added: "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 was just a little panic attack or something like that."
She went on to thank viewers for their messages, apologising for leaving the show, as she said: "I would never normally do that. I would never leave a TV show, so you know I wasn't very well. But hopefully I'm going to be all right. The doctors are so lovely, and they're checking me out, and hopefully everything's going to be fine."
In an update shared later, Alison said she “had a massive panic attack on live TV,” but thankfully she got the all-clear on her heart after tests. She said: "It felt very real to me. I'm really new to panic attacks, so I need to learn more about it."
The ceremony was hosted by Drag Winner Danny Beard, the first drag artist to host the awards in its 15-year history.
