Alison Hammond is set to front a new BBC entertainment series which will see her spend 48 hours with some of the UK’s best-loved celebrities.
The move to BBC comes just a month after the presenter, 49, was ‘snubbed’ by ITV bosses when Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard bagged the main This Morning gig.
The TV personality – continues to host This Morning on Fridays and as holiday cover alongside Dermot O’Leary – will enter the homes of stars and give fans a glimpse into their glamorous lives in the new six-part series Alison Hammond’s Big Weekend.
Set to be filmed across the UK, Alison will be asking all the big questions in her unique and hilarious way – which has made the This Morning and Great British Bake Off star one of the country’s most loved personalities.
Alison said that during the series, which will hit BBC One and iPlayer in 2025, she will make sure to leave ‘no stone or cupboard unturned’ in her quest for celebrity gossip.
Alison Hammond is set to front a new BBC entertainment series which will see her spend 48 hours with some of the UK’s best-loved celebrities
The move to BBC comes just a month after the presenter, 49, was ‘snubbed’ by ITV bosses when Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard got the This Morning gig (pictured with Dermot O’Leary)
Of her new gig over on the rival BBC, Alison said: ‘I’m so excited to serve up some big lols and tons of OMG revelations on the BBC as I spend some quality time with some of the UK’s favourite celebrities.
‘When I’m on a mission no secret is safe, and trust me no stone or cupboard will go unturned!’
Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment at the BBC, added: ‘Alison is one of the most warm-hearted presenters in the UK and it’s no surprise that big name celebrities are lining up to have her spend the weekend at their homes. It’s going to be a blast!’
Mel Balac, creative director for entertainment at BBC Studios, said Alison is the perfect woman for the job because she ‘wears her heart on her sleeve’.
‘Her incredible openness, energy and warmth will shed new light on the celebrities she spends the weekend with,’ Mel added.
‘When Alison comes knocking it’s a special appointment you won’t want to miss!’
In March, Alison broke her silence regarding This Morning’s new hosts after being ‘snubbed’ by ITV bosses.
She hosts This Morning alongside Dermot on a Friday, as well as fronting other big shows such as The Great British Bake Off and For the Love of Dogs.
Alison hosts This Morning alongside Dermot O’Leary on a Friday, as well as fronting other big shows such as The Great British Bake Off (pictured)
Alison was also announced the presenter for ITV’s new animal show For The Love of Dogs (pictured)
Alison was reportedly offered a huge pay rise to replace Holly Willoughby and front This Morning four times a week, but Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard have now taken on the role.
Clearing things up, Alison told The Sunday Times Magazine: ‘We’re the Friday guys! We love being Friday guys!’
When asked if there was any discussion about doing more than she does currently, she said: ‘Absolutely not. How could I?
‘I live in Birmingham and do Bake Off and For the Love of Dogs. I never wanted that job. Last year we did extra because we were going through issues, but Cat and Ben will save that show.’
Elsewhere in the interview, Alison was reluctant to speak about former host Phillip Schofield after he resigned from ITV following his affair scandal.
She said: ‘As for said “issues”… Listen. I don’t want to get into salacious gossip. All I need to say is I personally wish Phillip Schofield all the best. I loved Phillip Schofield. Full stop. But that’s the last thing I would want to speak about.’
Cat and Ben were unveiled as the new hosts of This Morning last month, after being locked in talks following the exit of Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
It had been claimed that Cat was finally won around with a lucrative deal, but insiders at ITV denied the claims – insisting it was the ability to spend more time with family, over a big money payday, that finally sealed the deal.
The news was confirmed via a bespoke promo on This Morning’s Twitter, showing Ben walking down the familiar This Morning production corridor and placing a new photo of Cat on the wall, before turning to the camera as the photo comes to life.
Cat said: ‘This Morning is a national institution. Whenever it’s on, it’s like having your friends over – funny, smart, silly, heartfelt, informative and joyful – like all the greatest friendships!…
Cat and Ben were unveiled as the new hosts of This Morning last month, with ITV revealing the news with a teaser clip showing their images in the ITV corridors
‘This Morning is and always will be the viewer’s show. Ben and I both know how much people love it, and with the help of an amazing team of people, we’re going to do our best to take care of it.’
Ben added: ‘This really feels like a very special moment for Cat and I to be part of the next chapter of This Morning. It’s an honour to be trusted with the reigns, join Alison and Dermot and all the team that work on and off screen and do such a great job…
‘For the last ten years I’ve been waking up with our ITV daytime audience on GMB and I now look forward to spending time with Cat…
‘Welcoming the viewers home after the school run or from their early morning routines, with a cup of tea and a mix of everything that makes This Morning so loved.’
