Television presenter Alison Hammond has shared that she genuinely believed she was suffering a heart attack during a broadcast last week, describing the health scare as one of the most frightening experiences of her life. Hammond abruptly left the studio during Friday's episode of This Morning and subsequently posted a video from a hospital bed explaining that she was getting her heart checked after experiencing severe palpitations that she hoped were simply panic-related.
Following her return to the programme, Hammond spoke candidly about the incident and the psychological pressures of her career. She admitted to feeling nervous about stepping back in front of the cameras, noting that she pushed through the apprehension because delaying her return might have created a lasting mental barrier associated with the show itself. She emphasized that panic episodes can strike anywhere and fluctuate in intensity rather than being tied to a single environment.
During the broadcast, Hammond and former BBC Breakfast host and psychologist Dr Sian Williams discussed the nature of panic attacks, which involve extreme anxiety responses featuring rapid heartbeats, shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest pain. Hammond reflected on the unique strain of hosting live television, where presenters must constantly maintain high energy and remain engaged with the audience, though she acknowledged she was still processing whether the demands of the job contributed to the episode.
Despite missing the Attitude Awards earlier in the week—where she was named the recipient of the Honorary Gay Award—the Birmingham-born star reassured her supporters as she wrapped up the segment. Declaring herself back in action, she told viewers she was ready to keep moving forward.