It's not very often that the hosts of the show ask for the cameras not to be on them but Alison Hammond did just that during her latest stint on This Morning. The presenter was back fronting the show as usual on Friday (June 30) alongside co-host Dermot O'Leary.
It was another busy - and energetic - show for the pair as not only did they have their usual segment sot get through, they were celebrating ahead of London Pride this weekend. The studio had been decked out in rainbow pride flags and the show kicked off with a special performance from The Globe Girls.
But away from the special appearance from the magnificent drag act and musical interludes, there was some more serious things to be spoken about and Alison and Dermot were joined in the studio by Dr Megan Rossi to discuss whether viewers should be concerned about artificial sweeteners.
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It comes after reports that a common sweetener used in products such as Diet Coke is set to be declared as potentially cancerous next month by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) cancer research unit.
However, as they tried to get into the worrying subject, Alison had to interject. "Sorry can I get a tissue? I've got really bad hayfever that's just come on," the 48-year-old asked. Dermot jumped to the posh tissue box sat on the table in front of them before Alison asked: "Is this to do with my gut health?"
Dr Megan went on to explain: "There is a lot connection there," but Alison interrupted again to make a request: "I'm sorry I just have to blow my nose. Don't put the camera on me for one second. Thank you!" As Alison blew her nose, Dermot laughed as Dr Megan said that it was normal for everyone to occasionally get a touch of hay fever.
"It's so embarrassing,"Alison said as the camera panned back to show her topping up her make-up. Dermot commented: "You look good bubba. Are you done? Amazing." But Alison was a little red-faced as she admitted: "I'm so embarrassed," before Dr Megan tried to move back onto the topic of artificial sweeteners.
Earlier in the programme, Alison left Dermot with his head in his hands when she didn't quite make one of their guests feel quite so comfortable about their upcoming challenge for charity. Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas was on the show to share details about taking part in a Skyatholon at the start of August.
It will see the 62-year-old head judge, who has a fear of heights and "doesn't even like flying", take on a zipline, a (plane) wing walk and a skydive to raise money for CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) in her continued support for the suicide prevention charity following the loss of her brother 20 years ago.
But Shirley made a mistake in asking Alison if she had done any activities similar to what she'll be taking on as the mum-of-one recalled one time in Jamaica when she went on a zipline. She said: "I did a zipline in Jamaica once. It was awful. I also did a um..."
Cutting in, Alison's co-host Dermot O'Leary tried to flip the negativity on its head and laughed: "Let's give her a pep talk. Be the love and light that we love." But Alison continued: "In my head, the cable was breaking and I really did think I was going to die. And then when I got on the floor, I cried my eyes out in relief."
As Dermot flung himself back on the sofa and covered his face with his hands, Alison added: "But I'm sure you'll be fine, Shirley," before the group burst out laughing and Dermot suggested Alison was starting to dig herself a hole.
