Alison Hammond unexpectedly left the set of This Morning during a live broadcast on Friday after becoming unwell.

The 51 year old presenter had started the October 2 edition of the ITV programme alongside her regular co host Dermot O’Leary.

The Independent reports that Hammond left during a segment about pets and did not return for the remainder of the programme.

What happened to Alison Hammond?

The incident occurred while Hammond and O’Leary were taking part in a pet advice segment with television vet Dr Scott Miller.

Some reports said Hammond appeared distressed shortly before leaving the set. Entertainment Daily reported that she got up suddenly and left the camera while O’Leary went to assist her.

After an advertising break, O’Leary returned without Hammond and explained the situation to viewers.

“Alison is feeling a little unwell, so she’s just had to duck out,” he said, according to The Independent.

He initially expressed hope that Hammond might return later in the programme.

That did not happen.

Dermot O’Leary continued alone

Later in the broadcast, O’Leary confirmed that Hammond would not be coming back that morning.

He told viewers that she was still feeling unwell and that he would present the remainder of the show alone.

Irish broadcaster RTÉ also reported that Hammond had disappeared from the programme after becoming unwell, with O’Leary taking over the rest of the live broadcast.

No replacement presenter was brought in.

Viewers immediately became concerned

Hammond’s sudden departure prompted an immediate reaction from viewers, with many asking what had happened and sending messages wishing her well.

Several reports described viewers expressing concern on social media after seeing her leave the programme unexpectedly.

The Independent said both ITV and Hammond’s representatives had been contacted for further comment. At the time of its report, no additional details about the cause of her illness had been announced.

There is therefore no confirmed diagnosis or explanation for what caused Hammond to become unwell, and speculation about her condition should be treated cautiously.

Alison Hammond has become one of ITV’s biggest personalities

Hammond first became widely known after appearing on Big Brother in 2002.

She subsequently built a successful television career and first appeared on This Morning in 2003.

Hammond became a regular co host of the programme in 2021 and currently presents alongside O’Leary.

She has also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, and co hosts The Great British Bake Off with Noel Fielding.

Her popularity helps explain why Friday’s unexpected departure quickly attracted attention across the UK.

For now, the confirmed information remains limited: Hammond became unwell during the live programme, left the studio and did not return before the broadcast ended.