Alison Hammond had to be consoled by her co-stars as she hosted This Morning.
The presenter was back at the helm of the ITV daytime show on Friday alongside Dermot O'Leary. It marked Dermot's return to the show after he took a break last week and was replaced by Josie Gibson.
During the last show of the week, Alison and Dermot were joined in the studio by agony aunt Deidre Sanders. They were asking viewers to phone-in to chat through any issues they may be having that Deidre may be able to help with.
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One This Morning viewer, known just as 'Jean', rang in to the programme as she shared her worries about her 17-year-old daughter's eating habits and problems with food.
Alison ended up being moved by the call and open up about her own issues surrounding her weight. "Can I just say something," she started. "Because I've had..."
Her voice starting to crack, Alison said: "See... I'm getting upset," before continuing on: "I've had obesity all my life. What it is is, your regulation system is out of whack. Obviously, you can't control wanting to eat all the time.
"And I think a lot of people don't realise obesity is a disease. You can't help it. You can't help wanting to eat all the time."
She started to apologise about becoming emotional as Dermot put a supportive arm around her and rubbed his co-host's back.
"Sorry. I get... People look down on people just because they're so big. And they can't actually help it when you've got a disease which is obesity and your regulations system is out of whack."
As Deidre tried to address the issue, Alison went on: "But when you're in it, you want to eat, you want all the bad things, and you know you don't look great.
"Sorry. It really touches me," the 45-year-old added becoming more and more tearful as Diedre asked: "What would you say to her daughter? What would be your sentence to her?"
"She needs help," Alison said. "I think the NHS need to see it more as a disease. People help people who are anorexic but they don't help people who are overweight. That's why so many people turn to surgery and things like that because we don't know what to do."
Breaking down, she added: "Sorry, it's really affected me," as Dermot held onto her hand before praising her for opening up.
"It's so hard, people don't realise," she cried as Deidre got up from her seat to give her a hug.
As Alison continued to apologise, after composing herself, Dermot, 48, told her: "Don't you dare say sorry."
This Morning then shared a clip of the moment on Twitter and said: "The phone in today hit close to home for Alison. Your vulnerability is inspiring, and you are an incredible role model."
Viewers were also tweeting their support.
@HayleyHickmanx tweeted: "Alison showing her vulnerability and her struggles on tv is why I love her so much. She’s so relatable for so many people! I just wanted to cuddle her #ThisMorning @AlisonHammond."
"Alison Hammond crying on national tele has broken me absolute treasure that woman. #ThisMorning," @danielle_07x said.
@DavidMackayy commented: "Not often I get quite teary watching #ThisMorning but Alison crying talking about her obesity was quite powerful."
"#ThisMorning Alison Hammond is an asset to your show. She is caring, funny, witty, humorous and beautiful inside out," @TracyKI34848016 added.
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