Alison Hammond says it was 'needed' as she finally…

Alison Hammond says it was 'needed' as she finally joins Holly Willoughby's 'gang' before ITV This Morning takeover

Alison Hammond spent some time with the girls after she hit the headlines over the weekend. The This Morning presenter is said to be distraught after a 'blackmailer', once thought to be a friend, demanded money or they'd 'end her career'.

It has been claimed that Alison had already purchased a BMW car, worth an estimated £5,000, after the unidentified man threatened to "ruin" her. The man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, is alleged to have blackmailed the mum-of-one over a period of eight months and West Midlands Police are now involved.

West Midlands Police said a 36-year-old-man from Warwickshire was arrested on suspicion of blackmail on Saturday evening, and has been in custody for questioning. He was later released on conditional bail, the force said on Sunday evening.

Taking to Instagram on Sunday (March 26), Alison shared how she had been spending time with Holly Willoughby ahead of their stint on This Morning together on Monday (March 27). The former Big Brother star revealed last week that she'd be back on the famous sofa today as she fills in for Phillip Schofield.

The news came after she promised big names would be on the popular show this week as she hosted the ITV daytime show on Friday with Dermot O'Leary. She said: "On Monday's This Morning, Shirley Ballas will be here as she reveals why her latest project will be more competitive than Strictly." Co-host Dermot continued: "David Domoney has all you need to know about getting your garden ready for spring." Alison then added: "Guess what, I'm going to be hosting. Monday, 10 o'clock, see you there!"

Alison also shared an old reel to her Instagram Story from when she last hosted with Holly, 42, and said: "See you at 10!" It came after she shared a snap of herself, Holly, and Holly's 'girl gang' which she said was 'needed'.

The 48-year-old could be seen smiling alongside Spice Girl Emma Bunton, All Saints singer Nicole Appleton, Shiarra Bell, who is head of artist relations at Universal Music and wife of Ride rocker Andy Bell, and PR guru Niki de Metz.

Alison said the time with the girls was 'needed' (Alison Hammond Instagram)

"Girl therapy night! Needed that@hollywilloughby @emmaleebunton @shishib," Alison captioned the post with Holly's older sister, Kelly Willoughby, among the first to respond. She said: "Ahhhhhhh. Always a healer. You’ve got this. Thanks for the fun." And fans were also keen to share their support.

Alison's night with Holly and her famous pals comes after fans couldn't help but feel like someone was missing as she posed with her famous girl 'gang' when celebrating singer Emma's birthday back in January. The blonde beauty took to Instagram with a snap of the group as they got together for the first time since their Christmas outing In December.

The mum-of-three looked gorgeous in a yellow jumper with her freshly cut blonde locks styled into soft curls. Meanwhile, birthday girl Emma donned a patterned shirt which she teamed with a black beret. "My gorgeous girls… happy early birthday @emmaleebunton," Holly captioned the snap to her more than eight million followers. Nicole was quick to respond, writing: "Love you all millions!" while Christine shared a string of heart emojis. However, it was Holly's This Morning co-star Alison whose comment caught attention.

"I want to be in this gang," she penned alongside a love heart eyes emoji. And Holly was quick to agree, writing: "any time babe…" in response. But fans who hadn't seen the exchange had already demanded that Alison be included in the girly outings. @tillymint.cowie said: "Alison Hammond needs to be in this gorgeous group of women. Please can this happen." @joclare10 echoed: "Alison Hammond to complete."

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