Key Highlights:
- Alison Hammond was forced to abruptly exit ITV’s This Morning mid-broadcast after clutching her chest on set.
- NHS hospital tests confirmed all clear on her heart, lungs, and blood, identifying the incident as a severe panic attack.
- Co-host Dermot O’Leary carried on the broadcast alone, and Hammond has since confirmed she is resting safely at home.
Alison Hammond Rushed Off ‘This Morning’ Set Mid-Broadcast
Television presenter Alison Hammond has addressed viewers with a reassuring health update following an alarming incident that forced her to suddenly exit live hosting duties on ITV’s This Morning. The 51-year-old broadcaster was seen rushing away from the studio floor while clutching her chest during the live transmission, leaving co-presenter Dermot O’Leary to anchor the remainder of the show alone. Dermot O’Leary subsequently confirmed on air to concerned audiences that Alison Hammond would not be returning to complete the programme.
Hospital Evaluations Confirm Host Experienced Panic Attack
Following her departure from the set on October 2, Alison Hammond was taken to the hospital for comprehensive medical examinations. Reassuring her followers via an Instagram story from her hospital bed while wearing a gown, she initially said: “Hello my lovelies I know you’re all worried about me, honestly I am fine first of all, but I’m getting me old ticker checked out, I had a little bit of a palpitation and now I’m getting it all checked out.”But I think I’m OK. I’m hoping it was just a little panic attack or something like that. I love you all! Thank you for all your lovely messages!”I’m so sorry I left you. 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 alright.”The doctors are so lovely and they’re checking me out and hopefully everything will be fine – everything is fine look, I’m rocking it – still got my make-up on from This Morning.”
After medical teams completed a full series of evaluations, Alison Hammond shared an updated statement confirming that she had been discharged and had returned home safely. The tests showed no structural cardiac problems, confirming that her symptoms were caused by an acute panic attack. Taking to Instagram, she said: “Hi everyone. I’m just getting in touch to let you all know that 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 that I had a massive panic attack on live TV. The shame of it. It felt very real to me. “I’m really new to panic attacks so I need to learn more about it 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. It’s really warmed my heart actually. I didn’t necessarily want to be on the news or anything like that. This is a new world to me. I’m going to take stock and get some rest. I’ll see you soon.”
Audience Reactions and Broadcast Impact
The unexpected on-air departure prompted immediate alarm among This Morning viewers, many of whom took to social media to voice their concerns. One viewer wrote: “Just watched This Morning seeing Alison Hammond get rushed off set clutching her chest was scary hope she’s ok.” Another commented: “What on earth has happened with Alison? Hope she’s okay.”
Viewers who watched the broadcast on catch-up services observed that the sudden departure was cut from the repeat transmission, with one person noting: “This is odd. On plus one – we just got a blank type screen when she obviously had the issue.” Following the incident, LADbible contacted ITV for official comment.
Why This Matters
The physical symptoms of severe panic attacks—such as heart palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath—frequently mimic serious acute cardiac events, prompting urgent emergency medical intervention to ensure patient safety. Experiencing such an episode in an intense, unscripted live television setting highlights the sudden impact of acute anxiety even on seasoned broadcasters. Alison Hammond’s transparent discussion about her unexpected diagnosis brings vital awareness to the reality of panic disorders, illustrating how abruptly they can manifest and the essential role that thorough medical evaluation plays in ruling out underlying heart conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Alison Hammond leave the ‘This Morning’ broadcast early?
Alison Hammond left the live studio suddenly after experiencing heart palpitations and chest discomfort, prompting her to rush off set mid-show for immediate medical evaluation.
What were the results of Alison Hammond’s medical tests?
National Health Service (NHS) professionals conducted checks on her heart, lungs, and blood, with all results coming back clear. The medical assessment confirmed that the episode was a severe panic attack rather than a cardiac issue.
Who took over hosting ‘This Morning’ during the incident?
Co-host Dermot O’Leary remained in the studio to present the remainder of the broadcast by himself and later confirmed to viewers that Alison Hammond would not be returning to the sofa that day.
