She first became a household name when she appeared on Big Brother in 2002. A decision she later revealed was because she wanted to settle her “traumatizing debts.”
And mother-of-one Alison Hammond, 48, has had an incredible rise to the top since those fun days when she hosted the BAFTAs alongside Richard E. Grant, 65, on Sunday night.
Alison, who is now a popular This Morning presenter and co-hosts with Dermot O’Leary, 49, has increased her earning potential with fashion deals and voiceover work.
She has also appeared in more reality TV, appearing in 2010’s I’m A Celebrity and 2014’s Celebrity Masterchef and Celebrity Fit Club to name a few.
As of 2023, the TV star is estimated to be worth between £2million and £4million – a far cry from the days when she was struggling to make ends meet.
She’s happy in her personal life too, having found love with landscaper Ben Hawkins nearly two years ago.
Web takes a look at her incredible rise to national treasure and TV superstar…
2002: BIG BROTHER
Throwback: Alison applied to Big Brother in 2002 to try and pay off her “traumatizing” debts, but she never could have predicted how her stint on the show would transform her life
Alison applied to Big Brother to try to pay off her “traumatizing” debts, but she never could have predicted how her stint on the show would completely change her life.
The popular TV star was a holiday presenter when she appeared on the Channel 4 reality show in 2002, which proved hugely popular.
Alison admitted she ran up a huge debt of £3,000 in her normal job before fame and recalled thinking it would be a “good idea” to go on the show and the £70,000 prize money to win.
Speaking to the On Jessie Ware’s Table Manners podcast in 2022, she said: “I was in Tunisia, doing repping, and everyone was reading the papers about Brian Dowling – he’d won Big Brother.
‘And they said, ‘You should go to Big Brother, you’d win it’. And at the time I was about £3,000 in debt and traumatized by it at the time.
“Every time I got paid, I just couldn’t work that debt down. So I thought winning £70,000 on a TV show would be a good idea.
Despite her gamble, Alison’s gamble didn’t pay off immediately as she missed out on the winner’s £70,000 prize fund and instead received expenses of just £30 a day after spending just two weeks on the show – that of her friend Kate Lawler was won.
However, she was truly memorable and had an iconic television moment when she fell through a patio table after jumping up and down on it to discover safety over the wall.
2002: THIS MORNING
Having fun: Alison co-hosts This Morning with Dermot O’Leary and the pair regularly break out into fits of giggles
Cute couple: She went through a fake marriage to The Rock on the show in 2017 during a hilarious interview, in which he referred to her as his wife five years later
Despite not winning Big Brother, Alison landed a gig as the presenter of This Morning, with her role growing over the years.
Alongside Dermot O’Leary, the duo is hugely popular and Alison has interviewed Michael Buble, Dwayne The Rock Johnson, Lady Gaga and Hugh Jackman, among others.
She went through a fake marriage to The Rock on the show in 2017 during a hilarious interview, in which he referred to her as his wife five years later.
Celebrating her 20th anniversary as the show’s host, she said, “I’ve had the best 20 years. Every day was the best and thanks to the viewers for watching. All I ever want to do is make you guys happy.”
Co-host Holly Willoughby said: “Alison, that’s what you do. You always make everyone so happy. Whoever is around you – you are so contagious with your spirit and joy. We love you.’
Phillip Schofield added: “She is without a doubt one of the best friends anyone can have. She is 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: ACTORING CAREER
who knew She appeared as an actress in the British children’s television series The Dumping Ground in 2016, based on the books by Jacqueline Wilson
Alison actually went to drama school and appeared on a show called Palace Hill from 1988-1990, proving she was always destined for the TV screen.
But her acting career took off after appearing in Big Brother, helping her land a brief role on Doctors in 2002.
The star has even acted as a pantomime in productions like Snow White, Jack and the Beanstalk, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin.
She then appeared in the 2016 British children’s series The Dumping Ground, based on the books by Jacqueline Wilson.
The program from the Tracy Beaker franchise focuses on the lives and experiences of young people living with their caregivers in a children’s home.
In 2018, Alison made her Hollywood debut in the animated film Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation.
2008: PRESENT DAYS – SUPPORT DEALS
Making the big bucks: 2022 was a big year for the sought-after star, who went on to land deals with NatWest and Sainsbury’s (pictured), in which he starred alongside the voice of Stephen Fry
Alison is now thought to be worth between £2million and £4million and it’s easy to see how she’s monetized her success through ads and endorsement deals.
In 2008 she became the face of Crown Bingo.
Four years later. She began working as a brand ambassador for furniture company DFS, and seven years later she signed on as a WeightWatchers ambassador.
In 2020 she started working with Asda on a campaign and a year later she worked with InTheStyle on a Curve clothing collection.
Announcing the news on Instagram at the time, she said: “This drop is an exclusive collection designed for curves, with pieces ranging in sizes 12-30 with petite and tall options! Let me know what looks you love!’
In 2021, Alison released an autobiography, You Gotta Laugh: Stories from a Life Lived to the Fullest.
2022 was a big year for the sought-after star, who went on to sign deals with NatWest and Sainsbury’s, in which he starred alongside the voice of Stephen Fry.
2010: MORE REALITY TELEVISION
Here comes the hot stepper: Alison appears in the twelfth series of Strictly Come Dancing on BBC One in 2014
In 2010, Alison appeared as a contestant on the tenth season of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! but unfortunately she was the fourth contestant to leave the show.
She has 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 where she appeared as Nina Simone and on the 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 take part in the twelfth series of Strictly Come Dancing on BBC One in 2014.
She worked with dance professional Aljaž Škorjanec, but despite their popularity, they were voted out in the seventh week of the competition and finished 10th.
In 2020 Alison appeared as a celebrity guest on the game show The Wheel on BBC One.
2021: MAKING HISTORY
One moment: In 2021, Alison made history when she became the first black television host to be shortlisted for an NTA award, though sadly she didn’t win
In 2021, Alison made history when she became the first black television host to be shortlisted for an NTA award, although sadly she didn’t win.
She said it was “time” to honor more diverse presenters at the awards show.
Alison was the sixth woman ever to be nominated in this category.
She said before the awards show that if she “won it, she would win it for all people of color” and that it “means to the world that people voted for her.”
Adding: “I think it’s absolutely wonderful and timely. For me, it’s about people actually voting for me.
“People who see me on TV actually voted for my little old me! It just means so much and I want to say thank you to everyone who voted. It really means the world.”
When asked if she thinks this will pave the way for more diverse presenters to be recognized, she said: “I really, really hope so, I have a feeling things are changing, but it’s slow.
“But for me I never dared to dream that big, it’s never been on my radar to be in that category. I may have to make my dreams a little bit bigger now!’
2023: HOSTING THE BAFTAS
Glitterati: Alison hosted the BAFTA studio, an immersive experience with access to all areas, on Sunday night as part of the BBC One broadcast of the ceremony
Alison hosted the BAFTA studio, an immersive experience with full access, on Sunday night as part of the BBC One broadcast of the ceremony.
The former Big Brother star dazzled in a floor-length black dress embellished with glittering sequins for the occasion.
She was in good company that 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 tonight, Alison presents Bafta Studio.
“We’re going to have a blast bringing the glitz and glamor behind the scenes to viewers around the world at home.
“From hanging out with the stars, to partying at the biggest movie night, to engaging in discussions with movie fans, get ready to be in a good mood.”