Alison Hammond Claims Panic Attack Caused Walk-Off on ‘This Morning’ Set

Alison Hammond, co-presenter of ITV’s flagship daytime show This Morning, walked out of the studio during a live broadcast after having a “panic attack”. Hammond’s co-hosts explained her absence mid-show, and she later released a statement confirming the health incident.

Alison Hammond fled the set of ITV’s This Morning mid-air as she suffered a panic attack live on screen. She left the studio to get medical help and support. Hammond later confirmed via social media that she was safe and recovering, and that overwhelming anxiety, not any other physical illness, was the reason for her departure.

Alison Hammond was visibly upset as viewers tuning into This Morning live saw her in tears. Reports from the broadcast say Hammond looked overwhelmed and excused herself from the set. She never came back for the rest of the segment.

Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, her co-hosts, handled the situation calmly on air. The production team and medical staff on site were said to be caring for Alison in front of viewers. Deeley and Shephard continued the show without her, covering the remaining segments.

Hammond’s sudden departure led to real-time speculation on social media, with viewers expressing concern for his wellbeing. A few hours later, the presenter herself provided clarification.

Following the incident, Alison Hammond spoke out directly via her verified social media channels. She said she’d had a panic attack, which is a sudden rush of fear or anxiety that can cause physical symptoms, like a racing heart, shortness of breath and dizziness.

“Thank you to the This Morning production team, my colleagues and the viewers for your support,” Hammond said. She noted she was receiving appropriate treatment and was taking time to rest. Hammond helped clear the air by confirming that he had suffered a panic attack, helping to move the story away from speculation about other health problems or professional differences.

Panic attacks are a common mental health problem that can affect anyone, even high-profile TV personalities under the stress of live broadcasting. Hammond’s frankness about the incident is consistent with broader trends in the media industry where presenters are increasingly speaking out about mental health struggles.

Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard handled the interruption professionally, having recently assumed main hosting duties on This Morning from Hammond and others. Their on-air response focused on reassurance, making sure viewers knew Hammond was in good hands.

The network behind This Morning, ITV, has always supported its talent on health and well-being issues. While the network issued no extensive public statement immediately after the broadcast, the show continued to air, and the tone of support from on-air talent suggested an internal protocol for handling such health emergencies.

Colleagues and fans took to social media to show their support for Hammond. Many praised her for putting her health first and stepping away from the camera when she needed to, knowing the high pressure of live morning TV.

This episode shows the extreme stress that live TV presenters go through. This Morning is one of the UK’s most-watched daytime shows, so its hosts have to maintain high energy and adaptability for hours on end every day.

Hammond’s story points out the value of mental health awareness in the workplace. When the condition is referred to as a panic attack, the stigma is removed, and it sends a message to everyone from employer to employee that episodes of mental health issues need to be addressed and cared for immediately, just like physical injuries.

For the audience, the event is a reminder that live television is not scripted and can be unpredictable. The professionalism of the other cast members meant the show went on with minimal disruption to their colleagues’ well-being.

Alison Hammond is to have a short break to make a full recovery. ITV has not commented on any changes to its upcoming schedule, but presenters typically take a few days off after such incidents.

For updates on her return date, keep an eye on Hammond’s official social media channels. Cat Deeley, Ben Shephard and other regulars are likely to remain on This Morning until Hammond can resume her duties.