Why Alison Hammond is absent from This Morning for ‘the next few weeks’
Alison explained she's 'having a month off.'
Alison Hammond will be absent from This Morning for the next couple of weeks, as co-host Josie Gibson steps in.
The Friday episode of the ITV daytime show is normally helmed by Dermot O’Leary and Alison, who took over as regular presenters in January 2021 from Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford and have been a staple ever since.
Last week, however, Alison was absent from the show (with Josie stepping in) with reports that she was rehearsing in Salford for Comic Relief taking place later that evening on the BBC.
In a small announcement at the start of last week’s episode, Dermot said: ‘It’s great to have you with us, Josie. You’re here for a few weeks to which Josie confirmed: ‘Yeah, I’m here for a few weeks covering Alison.’
Although there has been no official statement on why Alison remains absent, it is believed one reason is so she can film the reboot of Hole in the Wall.
The iconic BBC gameshow ended over 15 years ago but the reboot was announced in April 2024.
Josie Gibson is stepping in for Alison Hammond for the next few weeks (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)Earlier this year, it was reported the 50-year-old presenter is following in the footsteps of her predecessors, the late Dale Winton and Strictly’s Anton Du Beke, as host of the show.
‘Hole In The Wall got great ratings when it first came out so the Beeb have decided to bring it back,’ a source told The Sun at the time.
‘They are currently filming the pilot to see how it shapes up. They wanted to sign Alison and she jumped at the chance to do it.
‘She’s one of TV’s most in-demand stars right now and the Beeb is over the moon that they’ve signed her.’
And in March there was a listing to secure free tickets to a taping of the pilot (tipped to be televised in the next few weeks) which will happen on April 10.
The listing read: ‘Filming at Maidstone Studios on 10th April, two families will take on the famous walls to win a cash prize!
‘Joined by Celebrity helpers, and taking on brand new games, don’t miss out on your chance to be there and see all of the action.’
She is believed to be hosting the Hole in the Wall reboot and could be away filming for that (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)Of course, this may not be the only reason she is absent over the following weeks.
The star herself addressed her month-long absence on Virgin Radio UK during the Chris Evans Breakfast Show earlier in March ahead of Comic Relief.
She said: ‘Well, I’m actually having a bit of time out. I’m having a bit of a break. I’m having a bit of a break because I’m doing some other projects.
‘I’m doing Comic Relief on Friday, so I’m really excited about that – doing it with Davina. Yeah, so, we’re going to raise some money.
‘Yeah, I’m just doing a couple of other things so I’m having like a month off. Is that alright?.’
The TV star is booked and busy these days from Great British Bake Off to For the Love of Dogs (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)Of course, the TV personality has plenty of other commitments across the TV landscape. She was recently spotted filming the new season of ITV show For the Love of Dogs which she took over from the late Paul O’Grady.
And she is also currently starring in Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer which is currently airing every Sunday on Channel 4.
Earlier this year, her travel series Florida Unpacked with her son Aidan aired on BBC Two. Needless to say, she is booked and busy.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.
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