Alison Hammond is a British television presenter born February 5, 1975, in Birmingham, who rose to prominence after appearing on Big Brother in 2002. Following her early elimination, she joined ITV’s This Morning as a presenter and reporter, establishing herself through candid interviewing and engaging personality. Hammond has appeared on numerous programs including I’m a Celebrity, Strictly Come Dancing, and Celebrity MasterChef, before securing major hosting roles on The Great British Bake Off in 2023 and For the Love of Dogs in 2024, solidifying her status as one of Britain’s most beloved television personalities with a career spanning over two decades that encompasses presenting, acting, and cultural advocacy.
A prominent fixture in British television for over two decades, Alison Hammond has established herself as one of the UK’s most recognizable and beloved daytime presenters through her work on ITV’s flagship morning program. Born on February 5, 1975, in Kingstanding, Birmingham, Hammond grew up in a single-parent household with two siblings, raised by her Jamaican mother Maria Hammond, who worked multiple jobs including managing Tupperware to support the family.
Hammond’s television career began early with acting roles in the children’s series Palace Hill from 1988 to 1990, starting when she was just 11 years old during drama workshops. Financial constraints prevented her from attending drama school, but she continued pursuing performance opportunities throughout her youth while attending Cardinal Wiseman School in Birmingham.
Her breakthrough came in 2002 when she appeared as a contestant on the reality series Big Brother, becoming the second housemate eliminated from the show. Despite her early exit, this exposure led directly to her recruitment as a presenter and reporter for ITV’s This Morning later that same year, a position she has maintained for over twenty years.
Hammond’s 2002 Big Brother appearance, though brief, became the launching pad for her enduring This Morning career spanning two decades.
Throughout her career, Hammond has demonstrated remarkable versatility across various television formats, participating in numerous high-profile programs including I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2010, Celebrity Coach Trip in 2012, Strictly Come Dancing in 2014, Celebrity Masterchef in 2014, and I Can See Your Voice from 2021 to 2022.
She has also appeared in television dramas, including the medical soap Doctors in 2002 and the children’s series The Dumping Ground in 2016. Hammond also ventured into voice acting, contributing her talents to the animated film Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation in 2018.
Recent career developments have expanded Hammond’s presenting portfolio considerably, with her appointment as co-presenter of The Great British Bake Off in 2023 and her selection as the new host of For the Love of Dogs in 2024, succeeding the late Paul O’Grady. These roles represent major milestones in British television presenting. Her work co-presenting alongside Noel Fielding has brought fresh energy to the beloved baking competition.
Hammond’s personal life includes a son born in 2005 with ex-fiancé Noureddine Boufaied, with whom she maintained a relationship from 2005 to 2014. She began dating David Putman in late 2023 and continues residing in Birmingham, maintaining strong connections to her hometown.
Her cultural impact extends beyond traditional presenting, as Hammond has become widely recognized for promoting diversity and representation in British media. Known for her infectious laugh, candid interviewing style, and quick wit during live television broadcasts, she has earned industry recognition and developed a devoted fanbase through her authentic on-screen persona and active social media engagement.
