Alison Hammond feels she is in a 'very vulnerable place' after 'heart attack' fear
Alison Hammond reflected on being rushed off This Morning's set clutching her chest in her acceptance speech for the 2026 Attitude Awards' Honorary Gay gong, which pal Kate Lawler collected and read out on Alison's behalf on Wednesday night (07.10.26).
Alison Hammond feels she is in a "very vulnerable place" after fearing she had a "heart attack" on live TV.
The This Morning presenter sparked concern after being rushed off the ITV daytime show's set clutching her chest during the October 2 episode, and being rushed to hospital for tests, later reassuring fans she was "fine" and suffered a "massive panic attack".
Alison, 51, reflected on the scary experience in her acceptance speech for the 2026 Attitude Awards' Honorary Gay gong, which was collected and read out on her behalf by pal-and-fellow Big Brother alum Kate Lawler, 46, at London's The Roundhouse on Wednesday night (07.10.26).
She 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 not a weakness, and that's something this community has taught me throughout with love."
Apologising for her absence, Alison continued in her speech: "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.
"But seriously, having that moment happen so publicly was incredibly difficult."
She also praised her This Morning co-host Dermot O’Leary, 53, for stepping up to support her and for keeping the programme going while away.
Kate added: "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."
Just days before the Attitude Awards, Alison returned home from hospital after undergoing heart checks, later telling fans she suffered a "massive panic attack".
Taking to Instagram, she 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 OK; it's all clear, which would mean I had a massive panic attack on live TV. I mean, the shame of it.
"I mean, it felt very real to me; I'm really new to panic attacks, so I need to learn more about it.
"But I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone at This Morning who looked after me, all of your messages, Dermot, who has just been incredible, everyone has just, honestly, it's really warmed my heart actually...
"I mean this is a new world to me. I'm going to take stock, get some rest and I'll see you soon. Love ya."
The Great British Bake Off presenter was taken to hospital in an ambulance on October 2, and she took to Instagram to say she was getting her heart checked.
Alison said: "Hello my lovelies, I know you're all worried about me. Honestly, I am fine, first of all.
"I'm getting my old ticker checked out. I've been having a little palpitation, and now I'm getting it all checked out. I think I'm OK; I'm hoping it's just a little panic attack or something like that.
"I love you all, thank you for the messages, I'm so sorry I left you.
"I wouldn't usually do that, I would never leave a TV show, but I wasn't very well, so you know I am going to be all right, and the doctors are so lovely and checking me out."
The Strictly Come Dancing 2014 contestant joked that she was still wearing her make-up from the TV show while she was sat in her hospital bed.
Alison said: "Hopefully everything is fine, everything is fine actually. Look at me, I'm rocking this gown and still got my makeup on from This Morning. Lush and love you, babs."
After she was rushed off This Morning's set clutching her chest, Dermot tried to explain her abrupt exit to viewers.
He said: "Welcome back to This Morning, Ali is feeling just a little unwell so she's just had to duck out. Hopefully she'll be back in a sec."
Dermot delivered another update later in the show.
The TV presenter explained: "Ali's feeling a little unwell, so I'll be here for the rest of the show."
