Television presenter Alison Hammond disclosed that she experienced a panic attack during a live episode of ITV’s This Morning last week, leading her to abruptly depart the programme mid-broadcast. She was subsequently taken to hospital for cardiac evaluation, though medical assessment confirmed the episode was a panic attack rather than a heart attack.
Upon her return to the show on Friday, Hammond described the incident as one of the most frightening experiences of her life. She explained that she suddenly could not catch her breath and genuinely believed she was experiencing a heart attack. The panic attack came on rapidly, which she later learned involved a surge of adrenaline. Hammond noted that the live television setting amplified her distress, as she worried her son might be watching.
Hammond’s decision to return to the programme the following week was deliberate. She stated that if she had delayed her return, she might have developed an association between This Morning and panic attacks, when such episodes could occur anywhere. During her on-air discussion, she reflected on the pressures of live television performance and whether the constant demand to be “on air” may have contributed to the incident.
The 51-year-old presenter spoke with Dr. Sian Williams, a former BBC Breakfast host and psychologist, about panic attacks and anxiety. Williams explained that panic attacks represent anxiety at an extreme level and can affect anyone regardless of age or background. She noted they typically last between five and 20 minutes and are more common in women. Williams also distinguished between panic attacks and heart attacks, explaining that while symptoms may seem similar, heart attack pain typically radiates to other areas like the arm or jaw, whereas panic attack symptoms respond to breathing and grounding techniques.
Hammond appeared to reference Holly Willoughby’s 2023 departure from This Morning through a lighthearted parody during a separate television appearance, opening with Willoughby’s famous question “are you OK?” Hammond also missed the Attitude Awards on Wednesday, where she won the Honorary Gay Award. Beyond This Morning, Hammond hosts other television programmes including The Great British Bake Off and For the Love of Dogs.
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