Alison Hammond says her recent health scare on This Morning has left her feeling vulnerable. The 51-year-old presenter was taken to hospital after suddenly clutching her chest and struggling to breathe during the live show, but she later revealed that she had experienced a “massive panic attack.”
Hammond opened up about the frightening experience through a speech read by her friend Kate Lawler at the Attitude Awards. Hammond was unable to attend the event after returning home from hospital and taking time to rest.
Alison Hammond says her live “This Morning” health scare left her in a “vulnerable place”
Hammond said the incident was particularly difficult because it happened in front of a live audience. “I’ve always tried to bring joy, laughter and positivity to people,” she said. “So suddenly being a person struggling, rather than making everyone else laugh, is a very vulnerable place to be,” as per the Daily Mail.
She also acknowledged how difficult it was to have such a personal moment unfold publicly. “Some of you may have seen I’ve recently had a very public episode live on television,” Hammond said. “But seriously having that moment happen so publicly was incredibly difficult.”
At the same time, she said the experience taught her something about vulnerability. “I’m learning that vulnerability is not a weakness, and that’s something this community has taught me throughout with love.”
After the on-air incident, Hammond was taken to hospital in an ambulance and underwent checks on her heart, lungs and blood. She later confirmed that everything was clear, and doctors concluded she had suffered a “massive panic attack.”
“I mean it felt very real to me, I’m really new to panic attacks so I need to learn more about it,” she said. Hammond added that she was “taking stock,” and getting some rest.
Lawler said she had spoken with Hammond afterward and described the episode as “one of the scariest things she has gone through.” She added, “She didn’t think she was having a panic attack, she thought she was having a f heart attack.”
Hammond also thanked her This Morning colleagues, particularly Dermot O’Leary, for looking after her and continuing the programme after she left the set.
