This Morning host Ben Shephard makes unexpected joke about Alison Hammond's on-air panic attack
Alison was rushed to hospital during Friday's showBen Shephard made a light-hearted joke about Alison Hammond’s Friday health scare as This Morning returned on Monday (Oct 5).
His quip followed a reassuring update from him and Cat Deeley about Alison’s recovery. They told viewers Alison had received the all-clear and was resting at home, already feeling better.
The good news gave the programme room for a lighter moment after Friday’s (Oct 2) worrying scenes.
Ben Shephard jokes about Alison Hammond following health scare on This Morning
A recorded scream introduced a house spider feature during Monday’s programme. Ben immediately responded with a joke about Alison and her regular co-host Dermot O’Leary.
“Was that Alison on Friday, or Dermot when he realised he had to do the show on his own?” he said.
He quickly clarified that the scream actually marked the start of spider season.
Ben was referring to Alison leaving Friday’s broadcast early, while Dermot continued the programme alone.
Alison had clutched her chest and suddenly left the set. Viewers then heard a loud retch from off camera.
She feared a heart attack after experiencing palpitations. Doctors later confirmed that she had suffered a panic attack.
Medics also checked Alison’s heart at hospital before giving her the all-clear.
Alison explains her panic attack
Monday’s update placed Ben’s joke firmly within a reassuring account of Alison’s recovery.
Cat explained that Alison went to hospital for checks after feeling unwell during the live programme.
Ben added that Alison was resting at home and already felt much better.
The programme then played a video Alison had posted after her checks. In the clip, Alison explained what the all-clear meant.
“It’s all ok, all clear – which would mean I had a massive panic attack on live TV… I mean the shame of it,” she said.
The message directly addressed the frightening symptoms that had interrupted Friday’s show. In an earlier hospital update, Alison told followers that doctors were checking her heart.
She said she had experienced a palpitation and hoped a panic attack explained the episode. Her later video brought confirmation after the medical checks.
Alison Hammond thanks the This Morning team
Alison also thanked the This Morning team and everyone who sent her supportive messages. She praised Dermot for caring for her after she left the studio.
Alison said the support had warmed her heart, although she had not expected to make the news. She then explained her immediate plans.
“I’m going to take stock, get some rest and I’ll see you soon. Love ya!” she said.
Cat blew a kiss towards the screen once the video ended. Ben sent Alison his love and said messages had made her feel supported at home.
He also shared her disappointment about missing Saturday soup. Cat promised to make sure Alison received some during the week.
Alison continued resting at home and, according to Ben, already felt much better.
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This article was produced with the assistance of AI technology to synthesise source reporting and structured data. It has been reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by our human editorial team before publication.
