Alison Hammond has been consoled by This Morning fans after breaking down live on air as she spoke openly about eating disorders and how she feels obesity is often omitted from the conversation.
The Birmingham-born star was presenting the show on March 4 alongside Dermot O'Leary when she began to cry as she confronted the issue of eating disorders with Deidre Sanders. Alison did her best to fight back the tears initially as the trio discussed the issue: "Obviously I've had... now I'm getting upset... I've had obesity all my life and what it is is your regulation system is out of whack, so you can't control wanting to eat all the time and all that."
As Dermot moved in to comfort her, Alison added: "People help people who are anorexic but they don't help people who are overweight, and that's why so many people turn to surgery and things like that, because we don't know what to do." Alison went on to apologise before Dermot grabbed her hand and moved closer to comfort her: "I'm so sorry, people just don't realise", she added.
Deidre then rushed across the table to hug Alison as Dermot sent the show to an ad break. During the moment, This Morning fans took to Twitter to share and support Alison:
Sal Tweeted: "QUEEN! Never apologise for being real. Please keep being unapologetically you, and speaking up for so many of us who don't get to have a voice and are judged. Sending you all the love. And thank you"
Lucy added: "Just happened to switch on tv to see #alisonhammond on #thismorning openly talking about her own story of #obesity and #bingeeating. Stepping across an invisible line so we could feel what she feels. So much admiration for her empathy and courage."
Hayley said: "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"
A Tweet by Kyra read: "Very brave of @AlisonHammond to share on #ThisMorning will help so many. X"
Richard also Tweeted: "#AlisonHammond never say sorry for speaking out about the lack of education and support for those stuck in a mental rut reg their eating habits #Respect #ThisMorning"
After the break, Alison apologised again :"I was in the moment. It is tough, when you are big people think you are lazy but what they don't realise that it is a chemical imbalance. I got carried away, felt like I was at home watching."
Dermot replied with ever more support, adding: ""You don't have to apologise. You are an inspiration to me."
This Morning returns at 10am every weekday morning on ITV.
