Alison Hammond Receives Heart Check-Up After On-Air Health Scare

Alison Hammond, 51, underwent a heart check-up at a hospital after experiencing palpitations and leaving the live broadcast of ITV’s *This Morning* on Friday. Hammond assured viewers she is “fine” and believes the episode may have been a panic attack, but is undergoing tests to determine the cause. The incident occurred during a segment about pets, approximately an hour into the show, prompting co-host Dermot O’Leary to inform viewers she was unwell and would not be returning for the remainder of the broadcast. Hammond shared a video from her hospital bed, noting she was still wearing makeup from the show and thanking viewers for their concern. O’Leary continued the program solo, stating Hammond was feeling unwell and would not be returning. Ambulances were seen outside the ITV studios, but a source reported Hammond was able to walk into the vehicle. The presenter recently began co-hosting *The Great British Bake Off* and took over from Paul O’Grady on *For the Love of Dogs*.

Where they differ

• The Daily Mail reported a source said Alison Hammond was able to walk into the ambulance, while the BBC did not include this detail.
• The Daily Mail noted a loud retch was heard in the background as Hammond was rushed off set, a detail not mentioned by the BBC.
• The Daily Mail included information about Hammond's recent work on *For the Love of Dogs* and her relationship with David Putman, which the BBC did not mention.

What is not yet known

• The specific results of Hammond’s heart check-up are not yet known.
• The exact nature of the palpitations Hammond experienced has not been determined.

Background

• Alison Hammond is a presenter for ITV’s *This Morning* and recently began co-hosting *The Great British Bake Off* and *For the Love of Dogs* [Fact Refinery, 2026-10-27].
• The County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is currently undertaking a review of up to 4,500 breast cancer cases dating back to 2015, following identified failings in diagnosis and treatment [Fact Refinery, 2026-09-24].
• A public inquiry found systemic failures at the Countess of Chester Hospital allowed Lucy Letby to murder seven infants and attempt to murder seven more, leading to recommendations for increased monitoring in neonatal units [Fact Refinery, 2026-09-15].
• Palpitations are feelings of having a fast-beating or fluttering heart [background knowledge].

Our reading

Our reading is that Alison Hammond experienced a sudden health issue during a live broadcast, prompting immediate medical attention. While she has publicly attributed the episode to a possible panic attack, tests are underway to determine the cause, and there are discrepancies in reporting details such as whether she walked to the ambulance or if a retching sound was audible. The differing reports from the Daily Mail and the BBC suggest a degree of sensitivity surrounding the details of the incident.

What to watch

• The results of Alison Hammond’s heart check-up, which will determine the cause of her palpitations [ITV press releases].
• Any statement from ITV regarding the discrepancies between the Daily Mail and BBC reports of the incident [ITV press releases].
• Confirmation of whether Health Secretary Yvette Cooper will implement ‘cot cams’ in neonatal units following the Lucy Letby inquiry [UK Government website].

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