Alison Hammond hospitalized after live exit from 'This Morning' due to heart palpitations

Key points

• Hammond left the set at 11:30 AM during a segment with veterinarian Dr. Scott Miller, appearing to clutch her chest.
• O'Leary initially told viewers she would return but later confirmed she would not be back for the rest of the broadcast.
• Hammond shared an Instagram Story from a hospital bed, stating she was 'getting my old ticker checked out.'
• She expressed hope that the incident was a panic attack rather than a serious cardiac issue.
• The 51-year-old presenter is also a co-host of 'The Great British Bake Off' and 'For the Love of Dogs.'

Background

Hammond has been a co-host of 'This Morning' since 2021 and joined 'The Great British Bake Off' in 2023. She previously rose to fame as a contestant on 'Big Brother' in 2002. This incident follows a similar health scare involving Ray J, who was hospitalized for heart issues during a livestream on October 1. Our archive notes that Hammond was previously hospitalized for a heart check after this same live exit, confirming the event occurred on October 2.

How outlets are covering it

E! Online, BBC, Deadline, and USA Today all report the core facts of Hammond's live exit and subsequent hospitalization. E! Online and Deadline emphasize her Instagram update and her joke about still wearing her makeup. BBC provides the specific time of her departure (11:30 AM) and notes her background as a 'Big Brother' contestant. USA Today adds medical context, noting that while palpitations are usually harmless, they can rarely indicate serious heart conditions. All sources agree that O'Leary handled the situation by informing viewers she was unwell.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the physical demands and potential health risks faced by live television presenters. Hammond's public update helped alleviate fan concern and demonstrated the support system within the 'This Morning' team. It also underscores the importance of immediate medical attention for cardiac symptoms, even if they are ultimately determined to be panic attacks.

What to watch

Hammond is expected to recover and return to her duties on 'This Morning' and 'The Great British Bake Off' once cleared by doctors. No further updates on her condition have been reported as of October 4, but she has expressed optimism about her recovery.