Alison and Dermot revealed she would be taking a well-deserved break from This Morning (Image: No credit)

Alison Hammond announced she would be leaving This Morning on Friday, August 4, as she takes a summer break – with some fans left worried she was leaving the show for good

Alison Hammond left some This Morning fans gobsmacked with the news of her temporary exit from the show.

The much-loved Brummie, who has become a fan favourite alongside co-host Dermot O’Leary, dropped the bombshell during Thursday’s live broadcast. After taking over from Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, Alison, 49, shared that she’s ready for a well-earned holiday.

Dermot made the announcement on This Morning ( Image: ITV)
She continued: “Alison needs a break”, prompting Dermot to jest: “We all need a break.” Alison playfully responded: “Even YOU need a break from me.”, reports Birmingham Live.

The revelation sparked a flurry of confusion among viewers, with some wondering about the announcement. “Is Alison leaving for good?” one Twitter/X user questioned, while another chipped in: “It’s Alison’s last day on #ThisMorning before she goes on a break!”

Later on in the show, Alison then confirmed she wouldn’t be gone for good, “just for the summer.” Alison first became a household name after her stint on Big Brother in 2002, where she was the second contestant to leave the house.

Since joining This Morning on ITV in the same year, she’s been a staple of the programme. In the past year, she’s expanded her TV repertoire by joining The Great British Bake Off team, and in January 2024, she was announced as the new host of For the Love of Dogs, taking over from the late Paul O’Grady who passed away in March 2023.

Her television adventures also include stints on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! , Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity MasterChef, Celebrity Coach Trip, and more.

Earlier this month, This Morning confirmed the summer line-up for presenters. A mix of familiar members of the show are set to take over the hosting duties, including Josie Gibson, Craig Doyle, Rylan Clark, Rochelle Humes and Joel Dommett.