Alison Hammond has admitted to "struggling" after experiencing a panic attack live on This Morning. The presenter was absent from the Attitude Awards on Wednesday night (7 October), where she received the Honorary Gay Award.
Friend shares update
Attending on her behalf, Alison's long-time friend and Big Brother co-star Kate Lawler shared an update with fans. "I've spoken to Alison since, and it was one of the scariest things she has gone through," Kate explained (via The Sun). "She didn't think she was having a panic attack, she thought she was having a f*****g heart attack."
Kate also read out a message from Alison, which 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."
Message to fans
"I'm learning that vulnerability isn't a weakness, and that's something this community has taught me throughout with love," Alison continued. "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," she joked.
During last Friday's (2 October) instalment of This Morning, the presenter was seen clutching her chest before leaving the programme to travel to hospital. Hours later, Alison confirmed she was okay and had been undergoing tests on her heart.
Health update
Releasing a video message on Instagram, the TV star said: "Hi everyone. I'm just getting in touch to let you all know I'm home, I'm safe, and I'm feeling so much better. Thanks to everyone at the NHS who did the checks on my heart, lungs, bloods. I'm all okay. It's all clear. Which would mean I had a massive panic attack on live TV. I mean, the shame of it.
"But it felt very real to me. I'm really new to panic attacks, so I need to learn more about it," Alison reflected. "But I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone at This Morning who looked after me, all of your messages. Dermot, who's just been incredible, like everyone has just honestly, it's really warmed my heart, actually. I mean, I didn't necessarily want to be on the news or anything like that, but I mean, this is a new world to me. I'm gonna take stock, get some rest, and I'll see you soon. Love ya."
