Alison Hammond returns to This Morning after suffering an on-air panic attack
Television presenter Alison Hammond has returned to ITV's This Morning one week after suffering a severe panic attack live on air. Hammond explained that she abruptly left the programme last Friday because she could not catch her breath and genuinely believed she was having a heart attack. Following a hospital check-up that confirmed it was a panic attack, Hammond came back to co-host the show alongside Dermot O'Leary, discussing the terrifying experience and the nature of anxiety with psychologist Dr Sian Williams.
Key points
- Alison Hammond returned to ITV's This Morning one week after her dramatic on-air exit.
- Hammond stated that she rushed off the show last Friday because she could not catch her breath and feared she was having a heart attack.
- A hospital check-up later confirmed she had suffered a panic attack.
- She discussed the incident alongside co-host Dermot O'Leary and psychologist Dr Sian Williams.
What Happened
Television presenter Alison Hammond returned to host ITV's This Morning one week after experiencing a dramatic early exit from the programme. Hammond rushed off air mid-show last Friday, clutching her chest and prompting a visit to the hospital for a cardiac check-up.
Speaking upon her return alongside co-host Dermot O'Leary, Hammond described the event as one of the scariest experiences of her life. She explained that a sudden wave of adrenaline left her unable to catch her breath, leading her to genuinely fear she was having a heart attack.
Context
Hammond revealed that she felt anxious about returning to the studio, noting that she pushed through her hesitation to avoid associating the programme itself with the anxiety. During the broadcast, she and O'Leary spoke with former BBC Breakfast host and psychologist Dr Sian Williams about the nature of panic attacks and the pressures of live television.
Dr Williams explained that panic attacks can affect anyone and often feel physically similar to heart attacks due to overlapping symptoms like chest pain or choking. Prior to her return to This Morning, Hammond also made an appearance on ITV's Lorraine, where she lightened the mood by playfully referencing a previous presenter's 2023 monologue.
What's Next
Hammond intends to continue her regular presenting schedule on This Morning and other programmes, while taking a more mindful approach to her health and well-being following the incident.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the intense physical impact of panic attacks, the pressures associated with live television broadcasting, and the importance of open discussions surrounding mental health and anxiety.
What we know
- Alison Hammond rushed off ITV's This Morning mid-broadcast on a Friday due to acute physical distress.
- She was taken to the hospital for a heart check-up, which determined she suffered a panic attack.
- Hammond returned to co-host This Morning exactly one week later alongside Dermot O'Leary.
- She discussed the experience and panic attacks on air with psychologist Dr Sian Williams.
