Alison Hammond’s Emotional Update: Why She Stepped Away from This Morning and How Lisa Snowdon Stepped Up

Alison Hammond, the vibrant 50-year-old presenter who has become a cornerstone of ITV’s This Morning, recently sent fans into a frenzy of concern when she unexpectedly pulled out of her regular Friday hosting slot alongside Dermot O’Leary on May 16, 2025. After days of speculation on social media, with viewers wondering about her absence, Hammond broke her silence with a candid Instagram video, revealing that a severe bout of hay fever had forced her to step back. In her place, Lisa Snowdon, a familiar face to This Morning viewers, seamlessly stepped in, earning praise for her professionalism. Here, we explore the details of Hammond’s health update, Snowdon’s role as her replacement, and the outpouring of support that has defined this moment in Hammond’s illustrious career.

A Sudden Absence Sparks Concern

Hammond’s absence from the Friday, May 16 episode of This Morning came as a surprise to fans, who are accustomed to her infectious energy and warm rapport with co-host Dermot O’Leary. The Birmingham-born star, who has been a fixture on the show since 2002 and took over the Friday slot in 2021, is known for her relatability and ability to connect with audiences. When she failed to appear just hours before the live broadcast, social media platforms like X buzzed with questions. Some fans expressed worry, while others speculated about potential scheduling conflicts or personal matters.

In response, Hammond took to her Instagram Stories to set the record straight. Filming herself without makeup and with her hair pulled back, she admitted, “I look so rough,” but her honesty only endeared her further to fans. “I’ve got the worst hay fever over the last few days,” she explained, describing how the condition had “hit me like a bus.” Displaying an array of remedies—nasal sprays, vitamin D tablets, eye drops, and hay fever tablets—she reassured viewers that she was “fine” and receiving proper care. “I’m just letting you know that I’m not going to be making This Morning today, but the lovely Lisa Snowdon is going to be stepping into my shoes and looking after my lovely Dermot,” she added, promising to return the following week.

Hay Fever: A Relatable Struggle

Hammond’s openness about her hay fever struck a chord with many, as the condition affects millions in the UK, particularly during spring and early summer. Triggered by pollen, hay fever can cause debilitating symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and fatigue, which Hammond’s description vividly captured. Her decision to prioritize her health, even at the last minute, highlighted her authenticity—a quality that has made her a beloved figure since her Big Brother days in 2002. Fans flooded her social media with messages of support, with comments like “Get well soon, Alison!” and “You’re still a queen, hay fever or not!” reflecting the affection she inspires.

This wasn’t the first time Hammond has faced health challenges in the public eye. In recent years, she has been candid about her transformative weight loss journey, shedding 13.5 stone after a pre-diabetes diagnosis and the loss of her mother, Maria, to type 2 diabetes in 2020. Her commitment to fitness, including regular sessions with a personal trainer and a diet overhaul, has reversed her diagnosis and earned widespread admiration. Her hay fever update, while less severe, further showcased her willingness to share both triumphs and struggles, reinforcing her relatability.

Lisa Snowdon: A Seamless Replacement

Stepping into Hammond’s shoes was Lisa Snowdon, a 53-year-old model and broadcaster who has been a regular contributor to This Morning since 2016. Initially joining as a fashion correspondent, Snowdon has become a trusted presence, known for her poise and versatility. On May 16, she joined Dermot O’Leary on the iconic This Morning sofa, delivering a polished performance that kept the show’s lively spirit intact. Snowdon’s warmth and familiarity with the program made her an ideal choice, and she took the opportunity to send a supportive message to Hammond, wishing her a speedy recovery.

Fans praised Snowdon’s effortless transition, with many noting her chemistry with O’Leary. “Lisa was brilliant today, but we miss you, Alison!” one viewer wrote on X, capturing the sentiment of appreciation for both presenters. Snowdon’s role as a last-minute replacement wasn’t her first time filling in; she has previously stepped up during other presenter absences, earning her a reputation as a reliable team player. Her experience as a former Strictly Come Dancing contestant and host of shows like Britain’s Next Top Model added depth to her contribution, ensuring the show maintained its high energy.

A Career at Its Peak Amid Challenges

Hammond’s absence came at a busy time in her career, which has seen her rise to one of the UK’s most in-demand presenters. Beyond This Morning, she hosts The Great British Bake Off, For the Love of Dogs, and her new BBC series, Alison’s Big Weekend, which premiered on May 16, 2025, at 8:30 pm on BBC One. The show, featuring Hammond spending weekends with celebrities like Perrie Edwards and Mel B, has been lauded for showcasing her interviewing prowess and infectious humor. Her recent ventures, including a travel series Florida Unpacked and a potential reboot of Hole in the Wall, underscore her versatility and ambition, with rumors of Hollywood aspirations adding to her growing legacy.

However, her high-profile schedule has not been without scrutiny. In April 2025, Hammond missed several This Morning episodes, with Josie Gibson and Sian Welby filling in, prompting some fans to question her commitment. Her absence for Comic Relief rehearsals and other projects sparked divided opinions, with some viewers calling for a permanent replacement on For the Love of Dogs due to her lack of dog ownership. Yet, Hammond addressed these criticisms with grace, explaining that her demanding schedule and single motherhood to her 19-year-old son, Aidan, make pet ownership impractical. Her triumphant return to This Morning on April 14, 2025, after an extended break, silenced doubters, with fans gushing over her “striking new look” and renewed energy.

The This Morning Presenter Shuffle

Hammond’s absence is part of a broader pattern of presenter changes on This Morning, which has undergone significant transitions in recent years. The departure of Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford in 2020 paved the way for Hammond and O’Leary to take the Friday slot, while 2023 saw Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield exit amid personal and professional controversies. New hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard joined in 2024, bringing fresh energy, but the show continues to rely on its rotating roster of presenters, including Gibson, Welby, and Snowdon, to maintain its appeal. These shifts have kept This Morning in the headlines, with fans closely following each change.

Hammond’s role as a Friday presenter, announced in November 2020, marked a milestone in her 19-year tenure with the show. “I never dreamt I’d still be here 19 years later,” she said at the time, reflecting on her journey from showbiz segments to main host. Her ability to navigate the show’s evolving landscape, from heartfelt tributes to crew members like Matthew Lock in April 2025 to handling live segments with ease, has solidified her status as a fan favorite. Her hay fever-related absence, while brief, highlighted the depth of the This Morning team, with Snowdon’s performance proving the show’s resilience.

Fans Rally Around Hammond

The response to Hammond’s health update was overwhelmingly positive, with fans and colleagues alike rallying around her. Snowdon’s supportive message, coupled with O’Leary’s warm acknowledgment on air, underscored the camaraderie within the This Morning family. On X, fans shared well-wishes, with one writing, “Alison’s honesty is why we love her—get better soon!” Others praised her for prioritizing her health, a decision that resonates in an industry known for its relentless pace.

Hammond’s vulnerability also sparked conversations about self-care, particularly among those who related to her hay fever struggles. Her lighthearted approach—joking about her appearance and showing off her “drugs” (medications)—kept the tone uplifting, reminding fans why she’s a national treasure. Her promise to return the following week, likely on May 23, 2025, has viewers eagerly awaiting her comeback, with many anticipating her signature laughter and warmth.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Hammond recovers, her career shows no signs of slowing down. Alison’s Big Weekend has been hailed as a triumph, with her ability to draw candid moments from celebrities earning critical acclaim. Her weight loss journey, inspired by her mother’s concerns, continues to inspire, with fans like Peter Andre praising her 13.5-stone transformation. Her personal life, including her close bond with Aidan and her reflections on her late mother, adds depth to her public persona, making her more than just a presenter but a relatable figure navigating life’s highs and lows.

Lisa Snowdon’s successful stint as her replacement is a reminder of This Morning’s strength as a collaborative effort, but it’s Hammond’s unique charisma that keeps fans tuning in. Her hay fever setback, while temporary, has only deepened her connection with viewers, who see her as both a star and a friend. As she prepares to return to the sofa, Alison Hammond’s story—of resilience, authenticity, and joy—continues to captivate, proving why she remains one of Britain’s most cherished broadcasters.