Nocturnal 
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Alison Hammond has responded to Katie Hopkins after the controversial commentator mocked her on-air health scare, hitting back with a message about kindness rather than retaliation.
The This Morning presenter, 51, was forced off the ITV sofa on Friday’s show after appearing to clutch her chest during a segment with vet Dr Scott Miller. Co-host Dermot O’Leary helped her off set, later telling viewers she was \”feeling a little unwell\” and would not be returning for the rest of the episode.
Hammond later revealed from hospital that she had gone for a heart check-up, saying she had experienced \”a little bit of a palpitation\” and was hoping it was \”just a little panic attack or something like that\”, as reported by the BBC. She went on to confirm she had received the all-clear on her heart, telling followers on Instagram it had in fact been \”a massive panic attack on live TV\”, adding: \”It felt very real to me. I’m really new to panic attacks, so I need to learn more about it.\”
According to the Irish Sun, a source close to the star said she had gone to hospital by ambulance after leaving the studio, though this detail has not been confirmed by Hammond herself.
In the wake of the scare, Katie Hopkins posted a video that reportedly mocked the incident with a fat-phobic jibe, as reported by The Mirror. Rather than firing back with anger, Hammond responded with warmth, writing: “I’m still a Chumba womba babs !! I thought it was a heart attack it was very scary. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, even you cos you are beautiful on inside and out.”
Why it matters
The response has struck a chord with fans precisely because of how the original moment played out on live television. Viewers watched in real time as Hammond, visibly struggling for breath, was guided away from the cameras by O’Leary while Dr Scott Miller continued his segment looking visibly concerned. Social media was quickly flooded with messages of support, with one viewer writing: “Dermot looked very worried. I’m really concerned about Alison,” while another said simply: “Hope Alison Hammond is ok?”
That wave of genuine concern is part of why Hopkins’ video drew such a strong backlash, and why Hammond’s decision to respond with grace rather than hostility has been widely praised. Hammond also used her update to thank NHS staff and her This Morning colleagues, saying: “It’s really warmed my heart actually. I didn’t necessarily want to be on the news or anything like that but this is a new world to me.”
What happens next
Hammond is set to return to screens tonight, Tuesday 6 October, in a pre-recorded episode of The Great British Bake Off, which she co-hosts with Noel Fielding alongside judges Paul Hollywood and Nigella Lawson. It will mark her first appearance since the scare, although it was filmed before Friday’s incident.
There is no indication yet of when Hammond will return to This Morning, with O’Leary having fronted the rest of Friday’s show solo. For now, the presenter says she is “taking stock” and resting, telling fans: “I’m going to take stock, take some rest and I’ll see you soon.”
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