From Big Brother star to BAFTA host: The incredible rise of Alison Hammond – the ex holiday rep – who first went on reality TV over 20 years ago to clear her ‘traumatising debt’
She first became a household name when she appeared on Big Brother in 2002, a decision she later revealed was down to wanting to clear her ‘traumatising debt’.
And mother-of-one Alison Hammond, 48, has enjoyed an incredible rise to the top since those fun-filled days, hosting the BAFTAs on Sunday night alongside Richard E. Grant, 65.
Now a beloved presenter on This Morning, co-hosting with Dermot O’Leary, 49, Alison has upped her earning potential with fashion deals and voiceover work,
She’s also starred on more reality TV, appearing on I’m A Celebrity in 2010 and Celebrity Masterchef in 2014 and Celebrity Fit Club, to name a few.
As of 2023, the TV star is estimated to be worth anywhere in between £2-4million – a far cry from the days in which she was struggling to make ends meet.
She’s also happy in her personal life, having found love almost two years ago with landscape gardener Ben Hawkins.
MailOnline takes a look at her incredible rise to becoming a national treasure and TV superstar…
2002: BIG BROTHER
Throwback: Alison applied to go on Big Brother in 2002 to try and clear her ‘traumatising’ debt but she could never have predicted how her stint on the show would change her life
Alison applied to go on Big Brother to try and clear her ‘traumatising’ debt but she could never have predicted how her stint on the show would change her life completely.
The popular TV star was a holiday rep when she appeared on the Channel 4 reality show in 2002, proving to be hugely popular.
Alison admitted she had racked up huge debts of £3,000 in her normal pre-fame job and recalled believing it was a ‘good idea’ to go on the show and win the £70,000 prize money.
Speaking to On Jessie Ware’s Table Manners podcast in 2022, she said: ‘I was in Tunisia, repping, and everyone was reading the papers about Brian Dowling – he had won Big Brother.
‘And they were saying “you should go on Big Brother, you’d win it”. And at the time, I had a debt of like £3,000 and at the time I was traumatised by.’
‘Every time I got paid I just couldn’t make that debt go down. So I thought that’d be a good idea to win £70,000 going in a TV show.’
Despite her gamble, Alison’s risk didn’t immediately pay off as she missed out on the winner’s prize fund of £70,000 and instead got expenses of just £30 per day after only lasting two weeks on the show – which was won by her pal Kate Lawler.
However, she was truly memorable and had an iconic TV moment when she fell through a patio table after jumping up and down on it to spot security over the wall.
2002: THIS MORNING
Having a ball: Alison co-hosts This Morning with Dermot O’Leary and the pair regularly fall about in fits of giggles
Cute couple: She famously went through with a fake wedding with The Rock on the show back in 2017 during a hilarious interview, with him referring to her as his wife five years on
Despite not winning Big Brother, Alison landed a gig presenting This Morning, with her role growing over the years.
Alongside Dermot O’Leary, the duo are hugely popular and Alison has interviewed the likes of Michael Buble, Dwayne The Rock Johnson, Lady Gaga and Hugh Jackman.
She famously went through with a fake wedding with The Rock on the show back in 2017 during a hilarious interview, with him referring to her as his wife five years on.
When she celebrated her 20 year anniversary as host of the show, she said: ‘I’ve had the best 20 years. Every day has been the best and thank you to the viewers for watching. All I ever want to do is make you guys happy.’
Fellow host Holly Willoughby said, ‘Alison, that is exactly what you do. You make everyone so happy all the time. Whoever’s around you – you are so infectious with your spirit and joy. We love you.’
Phillip Schofield added, ‘She is, without doubt, one of the best friends you could ever have. She’s an amazing person.’
Holly and Phillip led the tributes from the studio at the time with poignant video messages from the likes of Dermot O’Leary, Rylan Clark, Strictly Come Dancing star Aljaz Škorjanec, Rick Astley, former Big Brother host Davina McCall and even Alison’s teenage son Aiden.
2002: ACTING CAREER
Who knew? She appeared as an actress in British children’s television drama series The Dumping Ground in 2016, based on the books by Jacqueline Wilson
Alison actually went to drama school and appeared in a show called Palace Hill from 1988–1990 proving she was always destined for the TV screen.
But her acting career started to take off after she appeared in Big Brother, helping her to get a brief part on Doctors in 2002.
The star has even appeared in pantomime in productions such as Snow White, Jack And The Beanstalk, Beauty And The Beast and Aladdin.
After that, she appeared in British children’s television drama series The Dumping Ground in 2016, based on the books by Jacqueline Wilson.
The programme, from the Tracy Beaker franchise, focuses on the lives and experiences of young people who live in a children’s home with their care workers in care.
In 2018, Alison made her Hollywood debut in the animated film Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation.
2008: PRESENT DAY – ENDORSEMENT DEALS
Earning the big bucks: 2022 was a big year for the in-demand star who then secured deals with NatWest and Sainsbury’s, (pictured), starring alongside the voice of Stephen Fry
Alison is now set to be worth anything between £2-4million and it’s easy to see how she has monetised her success through adverts and endorsement deals.
In 2008, she became the face of Crown Bingo.
Four years later. she began working as a brand ambassador with furniture company DFS and seven years later, she signed up as a WeightWatchers ambassador.
In 2020 she started working on a campaign with Asda and a year later she collaborated with InTheStyle on a curve clothing range.
She announced the news on Instagram at the time saying: ‘This drop is a curve exclusive collection, with pieces available in sizes 12-30 with options for petite and tall! Let me know which looks you’re loving!’
In 2021, Alison released an autobiography called ‘You’ve Got to Laugh: Stories from a life lived to the full’.
2022 was a big year for the in-demand star who then secured deals with NatWest and Sainsbury’s, starring alongside the voice of Stephen Fry.
2010: MORE REALITY TV
Here comes the hot-stepper: Alison compete in the twelfth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 on BBC One
In 2010, Alison appeared became a contestant on the tenth series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! but sadly, she was the fourth contestant to leave the show.
She’s also appeared on Celebrity Fit Club, Celebrities Under Pressure and Big Star’s Little Star. Alison has also appeared on Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes, performing as Nina Simone and Channel 4 show Celebs Go Dating.
In 2014, Alison took part in the ninth series of Celebrity MasterChef on BBC One, before being asked to compete in the twelfth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 on BBC One.
She partnered with dance professional Aljaž Škorjanec but despite their popularity, they were voted off in the seventh week of competition and finished 10th.
In 2020, Alison appeared as a celebrity guest on game show The Wheel on BBC One.
2021: MAKING HISTORY
A moment: In 2021, Alison made history as she was the first black TV presenter to be shortlisted for an NTA award, although sadly she did not win
In 2021, Alison made history as she was the first black TV presenter to be shortlisted for an NTA award, although sadly she did not win.
She said it was ‘about time’ more diverse presenters are recognised at the awards ceremony.
Alison was the sixth woman ever to be nominated in the category.
She said ahead of the awards that if she ‘did win it she would win it for everyone of colour’ and that it ‘means the world that people voted for her’.
Adding: ‘I think it’s absolutely wonderful and about time. For me, it’s about the fact that people have actually voted for me.
‘People who watch me on the TV have actually voted for little old me! It just means so much and I just want to say thank you to everyone who voted. It really means the world.’
Asked if she feels that this will pave the way for more diverse presenters to be recognised she said: ‘I really, really hope so, I do feel change is happening, however, it is slow.
‘But for me, I never ever dared to dream this big, this was never even on my radar to be in this category. I might have to make my dreams a little bit bigger now!’
2023: HOSTING THE BAFTAS
Glitterati: Alison hosted the BAFTA Studio on Sunday night, an immersive and access-all-areas experience, as part of the BBC One broadcast of the ceremony
Alison hosted the BAFTA Studio on Sunday night, an immersive and access-all-areas experience, as part of the BBC One broadcast of the ceremony.
The former Big Brother star dazzled in a floor-length black gown for the occasion, with the garment adorned with glistening sequins.
She was in good company on the night with the likes of Cate Blanchett, Prince William and Kate Middleton, Lily James, Billie Piper and Maya Jama all in attendance.
While actor Richard E. Grant, 65, hosted the main ceremony this evening, Alison is presenting Bafta Studio.
‘We’re going to have a lot of fun bringing the glitz and glam of backstage to everyone watching at home around the world.
‘From hanging out with the stars to celebrating the biggest night for cinema, and joining the discussions with film fans, get ready for good vibes only.’
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