Alison Hammond left the Pride of Britain awards on the arm of her This Morning co-star Craig Doyle on Sunday evening – amid Holly Willoughby’s kidnap hell.
The new Bake Off host, 48, was beaming as she linked arms with the Irish presenter, 52, who has been a regular on the ITV morning news show since 2022.
The TV presenter donned a glittering grey gown, with added sparkles on her cardigan, earrings and clutch bag for a dazzling look. .
Craig also appeared in high spirits as he and Alison shared a laugh as they left the awards together.
It comes as Holly Willoughby cancelled her appearance at the ceremony as she continues to deal with an alleged kidnap plot.
Support system: Alison Hammond left the Pride of Britain awards on the arm of her This Morning co-star Craig Doyle on Sunday evening – amid Holly Willoughby ‘s kidnap hell
Distraught: It comes as Holly Willoughby cancelled her appearance at the show as she continues to deal with an alleged kidnap plot (pictured in September)
The presenter, 42, is set to miss three weeks on TV as she struggles to deal with the terror of ex-Pizza Hut worker Gavin Plumb’s plot to kidnap and murder her.
She is currently being closely guarded by police and a security team from ITV and insiders say she will not make a return to This Morning until after the half-term break at the end of October at the earliest.
Holly was pulled from presenting the ITV show on Thursday just moments before going on air after police informed bosses about the plot.
A source told the Mail on Sunday: ‘As the days go by, something like this doesn’t get any easier for Holly but it is difficult to think about any kind of work right now, let alone when your job is to present a live television show.
‘She needs to be around her nearest and dearest and take the right advice from the right people, too.
‘The This Morning presenters have been in touch with her and they will juggle covering her role for as long as is needed.’
Holly is said to be ‘distraught’ and is seeking comfort in friends and family.
Alison and Dermot O’Leary described their shock and sent their friend ‘our love and biggest hugs’.
Glittering: The new Bake Off host, 48, was beaming as she linked arms with the Irish presenter, 52, who has been a regular on the ITV morning news show since 2022
The This Morning hosts opened the show with an emotional message for their co-host. Dermot said: ‘We’re not going to talk much about it but we have to start with the story of one of our own.’
With Alison adding: ‘We are obviously all shocked to hear the news and we want to send our love and biggest hugs to Holly and her family’.
Plumb, 36, was arrested at his flat in Harlow, Essex, on Wednesday, where he was found allegedly in possession of weapons.
He has been charged with soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap in relation to the TV presenter.
Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court heard on Friday that he conspired with a US hitman David Nelson to kidnap and kill Ms Willoughby.
He will appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on November 3.
Despite taking place on Sunday evening, the Pride Of Britain ceremony will be aired on ITV on Thursday October 12 at 8pm.
The annual awards returned for a 24th year at London’s Grosvenor House, with Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo co-hosting the star-studded affair.
Star: Holly won’t return to This Morning until the end of October half-term at the very earliest
Supportive: Dermot and Alison sent their love to Holly and her family on This Morning
Taking place since 1999, the ceremony honours the achievements of truly remarkable people from across the UK and all walks of life – nominated by members of the public.
After a shortlist has been produced from the thousands of entries, winners are chosen by the Pride of Britain judging panel.
The Pride Of Britain awards will honour winners in nine categories; TSB Community Hero Award, Good Morning Britain Young Fundraiser of the Year, This Morning Emergency Services Award, Outstanding Bravery, Child of Courage, Prince’s Trust Young Achiever, Special Recognition and Outstanding Contribution.
Winners honoured at the glitzy event included murdered hero Lee Rigby’s son, Jack Rigby, 13, and former rugby player Rob Burrow, alongside his wife Lindsay and best friend Kevin Sinfield.
