It's fair to say that Alison Hammond is a true British icon, the nation's sweetheart and a comedian in her own right.
She makes us all laugh with her absolutely hysterical personality when she presents segments on This Morning, whether it's interviewing Hugh Jackman, giving Lady Gaga a cuddle or just her commentary on the cooking segment - she is always guaranteed to put a smile on our faces.
But who is Alison Hammond and how did she become famous?
We're taking a deep dive into the world of the new Queen of UK showbiz, from her rise on Big Brother to becoming the first black presenter nominee at the National Television Awards in 2021.
Rise to fame
Alison first shot to fame when she was a contestant on Big Brother in 2002. Despite only lasting 15 days in the house, Alison captured the hearts of viewers. Two weeks after she was evicted, ITV's This Morning offered Alison the position of showbiz reporter, where she has been ever since.
Just last week, Alison marked 20 years since her stint on the show and said she couldn't believe the time had gone by as her pal Kate Lawler, who won, shared a few throwback snaps.
Glittering career
It wasn't long before the nation began to fall in love with Alison and it's easy to understand why.
Her bubbly personality and infectious smile even led the TV star to take to the stage for pantos such as including Snow White, Jack And The Beanstalk, Beauty And The Beast and Aladdin, as well as being the face of Crown Bingo in 2008 and a brand ambassador for DFS in 2012.
In 2018, Alison made her Hollywood debut with animated film Hotel Transylvania 3. Then in 2020 she appeared on Celebs Go Dating and the celeb edition of The Great British Bake Off.
Alison has also taken part in I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in 2010 and Strictly Come Dancing in 2014.
The 46-year-old appeared on Celebrity Stars In Their Eyes, Celebrity Ready Steady Cook, Celebrity Coach Trip, Celebrity MasterChef and on the Channel 4 show Celebs Go Dating.
On This Morning, Alison takes over the sofa on a Friday with Dermott O'Leary and aside from that she has interviewed many famous faces such as Ryan Reynolds, The Rock, Tom Cruise and many, many more.
Her legendary interview with the notoriously difficult to question Harrison Ford, as well as Ryan Gosling, is total comedy gold and the two megastars were blown away by her bubbly personality and infectious laugh.
Last year, Alison made history as she was the first black TV presenter to be shortlisted for an NTA award.
She was nominated for Best TV Presenter, and opened up about it saying it was 'about time' more diverse presenters are recognised at the awards ceremony.
Alison was the sixth woman ever nominated in the category (and that’s even counting duo Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins as two), and also the first to be plus-size.
Relationships
At this moment in time, Alison is currently believed to be single.
However, the star has been married before to taxi driver Noureddine Boufaied, and the pair share 16-year-old son Aiden together.
But their marriage didn't last and they divorced.
In 2014 Alison got engaged to single dad and security guard Jamie Savage after they met online. However, in 2017 she announced that they had parted ways, saying: "We split up. It’s the worst news ever. I don’t think I want anyone else now."
Alison was briefly involved with audio technician Ben Kusi, who she met on Celebs Go Dating in 2020.
Recent life
Alison recently brought out a clothing range with In The Style which has been a roaring success.
She also released her book in October last year called 'You've Got to Laugh: Stories from a life lived to the full'.
As of 2021 her net worth was estimated to be a whopping £1million.
Last week, Alison even got the chance to 'hold the fort' and host This Morning on her own as Holly and Phil visited Buckingham Palace to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
And the glitz and glamour didn't end there, this week she jetted off to Cannes for work - we're not jealous one bit!
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