Alison Hammond Opens Up About Struggling to Pay Her Mortgage Despite Being Famous: “It’s Not All Good All of the Time”
Alison Hammond, the beloved This Morning star, recently opened up about a difficult period in her life, revealing the harsh realities behind her seemingly glamorous television career. Known for her bubbly personality and infectious energy, Alison has become one of the most recognizable faces on British TV. However, despite her fame, there was a time when she couldn’t even afford to pay her mortgage.
In an emotional interview, Alison, now 49, recounted her financial struggles during 2007 when she found herself out of work and left unused by This Morning. Despite her rising fame from her time on Big Brother and appearances on shows like The Great British Bake Off and For The Love Of Dogs, Alison faced a harsh reality. “There was a time when I couldn’t pay my mortgage, and I was really famous,” she admitted, shedding light on the unpredictable nature of the television industry.
During this tough time, Alison took a job at a local hairdresser to make ends meet. If a customer recognized her, she would casually explain that she was just helping out, adding, “I’d answer the phone, do a few blow dries.” Her young son, Aidan, was at home, and her mother stepped in to help them financially. Reflecting on this period, Alison broke down in tears as she shared her story with The Guardian. “It’s not all good all of the time. But I was all right, you know? That’s television, it’s fickle and it’s part of my journey, part of my power.”
Despite her current success, Alison remains grounded and realistic about the uncertainties of showbiz. After joining The Great British Bake Off last year, replacing Matt Lucas, she became an instant hit with fans. However, she acknowledges that her future on the show is never guaranteed. “That’s OK. I know I’ll be OK, because I’ve been OK before. I’ll go and work at Tesco and people will still love me,” she said with her trademark humor and resilience.
One show that seems keen to keep Alison on board is For The Love Of Dogs, despite rumors of her possibly being axed after her debut series. The show saw a dip in viewing figures compared to the late Paul O’Grady’s time, but Alison remains undeterred. She faced some trolling online, with critics questioning her love for dogs since she doesn’t own one. “It’s like saying: ‘How can you love children when you haven’t got kids?’” she responded.
However, ITV remains pleased with Alison’s performance, with a source telling The Sun, “It was a big risk continuing the show without Paul who obviously cannot be replaced, but Alison’s warmth and infectious personality shone through. It was a no-brainer to commission the series for another run, and Alison is also delighted to be going back to Battersea.”
Alison Hammond’s story is one of resilience and strength, showing that even in the face of financial struggles and uncertainty, she has continued to shine both on and off the screen.