Alison Hammond has had a busy day of press interviews before arriving at heat’s shoot, but she’s still on top form. As soon as she walks through the door, she greets us with a big hug – and it’s not long before she’s sprawled on a sofa, tucking into a bowl of popcorn. ‘I’m loving this!’ she says, telling us it’s an accurate representation of her perfect Saturday night in (minus the full glam).
However, she admits that getting any time to herself is a rarity these days. As one of TV’s most in-demand stars, Alison has a jam-packed schedule, hosting This Morning, The Great British Bake Off and For The Love Of Dogs. And just when we thought she couldn’t get any busier, she’s here to talk about her brand-new show, Alison Hammond’s Big Weekend, where she spends 48 hours with some of the UK’s biggest celebrities, including Sir Lenny Henry, Perrie Edwards, Jimmy Carr, Mel B, Luke Evans and Tony Bellew.
Away from the spotlight, Alison is in a happy place with her personal life, too. She’s found love with David Putman, a 27-year-old Russian masseur and model she met in 2023 after booking a massage therapy session. And after turning 50 in February, Alison – who shares son Aidan, 20, with her ex, Noureddine Boufaied – is feeling better than ever. We chatted to her about everything from rummaging through Spice Girl Mel B’s drawers, to her fitness regime and being a protective mum…
What was it like spending a weekend with all these celebs?
You really get to see a different side to all of them. You get to see stuff that you would never see, like them arguing with their mum or bantering with their kids or partner. And you get to see what their passions are and what they love doing. Me and Jimmy Carr went for an ice bath together. And Luke Evans is really into horse riding. I learned how to horse ride – I’ve never ridden a horse in my life. I started off on a mechanical horse and it’s the most comical scene you’ll ever see. I should have put a sports bra on!
Whose drawers were you most excited to rummage through?
Mel B’s. She has the craziest things in her drawers. She kept a sign from when she played a ‘one night only’ in LA. I was like, ‘How did you manage to take that home?’ She said she just asked and they gave it to her.
It must have been fun staying with a Spice Girl…
She’s lovely. She’s actually a bit of a country bumpkin. She’s got goats and chickens – she’s living the farm life. And she really does love leopard print. She had me decorating her living room, putting leopard-print wallpaper up. We had so much fun.
Did you have to follow any strict house rules?
It was definitely shoes off in Perrie’s house, and I don’t blame her, because everything is white. I was a little bit nervous because my make-up comes off sometimes when I hug and kiss people, so I had to be careful there. But I’m sure I probably left a few of marks here and there.
Did you steal anything?
No! Absolutely not. If anything, they gave me stuff. After spending 48 hours with Mel B, I’ve got an invite to her wedding this year.
You forged genuine bonds then?
Yeah. And Perrie has been texting me, and me and Jimmy talk all the time.
Who would be your ultimate dream celebrity to live with?
Barack Obama. He looks like a lot of fun – I’d love to see what his day involves. I’d also love to spend two days with myself because, honestly, every day there’s always someone there. I just want to spend some quality time alone. It’s rare that I’m alone. I want to spend 48 hours with myself!
Is our shoot a good representation of your dream weekend, then?
Yes. I would be in my PJs and a dressing gown under an electric blanket, maybe with a little bit of popcorn. I love being on the sofa – I’m totally a sofa girl. I prefer staying in every time. I love being at home and I do love my friends and family coming over. That’s my perfect night in.
What would you be watching?
Married At First Sight Australia. I’m also currently watching Gangs Of London – it’s so good. The only thing is, I’ve started watching it from series three first. So, now I’m having to go backwards.
And what’s your takeaway of choice?
Thai or Chinese.
Tell us your order…
Are you ready for a long list? Beef in black bean sauce, chicken fried rice, spare ribs in syrup – not BBQ sauce – a king prawn chow mein, prawn toast, seaweed, and banana fritters in syrup. I know it’s a lot, but I won’t eat it all at once. I’ll put the leftovers in the fridge and have them the next day.
What’s your house like? Are you messy or tidy?
Let’s say medium – it’s a little bit cluttered. I like to clean and I like to do my own washing.
Fame hasn’t changed you then… Do you love a high-end buy or a cheeky bargain?
I love B&M. You’re not taking me away from B&M. But I get given quite a few nice things, too, so I guess that’s nice.
Do you like to go out-out?
I do like a party, and I love a good old wedding. You never know, I’ll probably have some more celebrity weddings to go to now that I’ve met all of these new people. But I don’t really drink. I like a Baileys at Christmas, but I don’t like alcohol in general. I like watching people get drunk and thinking, ‘Thank God I’m not going to have to go through the hangover you’ll go through tomorrow.’ I’m always the designated driver, as well.
Who would you call for a fun night out?
Josie Gibson has to be on the list. Dermot O’Leary would be there, too. And then The Rock, Kevin Hart and Madonna.
Are these people all in your phone book?
Oh, obviously. [Laughs.]
You turned 50 in February – how are you finding this decade of your life so far?
Thanks for reminding me! [Laughs.] But it’s no different to the last decade. It just feels like I’ve been waiting in the queue at the post office a little bit longer than someone younger than me. There’s no difference in the queue, everything is exactly the same and you still see the same scenery, it’s just that I’ve been there longer.
You look amazing…
I feel amazing. I feel happy within myself.
What’s your fitness regime?
I’ve got a personal trainer – she’s amazing. She trains me when I can train. If I’m working, I don’t train, I’ll go for a walk. But when I’m at home, I’ll go and have a session with her in the morning, just an hour. It might be four days a week.
And what about your diet?
I don’t deny myself anything. I eat everything, but in moderation.
You’ve also got a man in your life…
I don’t like to go into detail about him, because it’s my private life, and I want to respect his life, as well. But you know I’m loved-up. Everyone knows that!
How does he feel about your career in the spotlight?
He loves it. He just supports me. Anybody who I bring into my life supports me and whatever I do. They’re so happy for me.
Do you want to get married?
I’d never say no. I might marry myself…
We can imagine it’d be a lavish A-list affair with all your celeb mates…
You’d think that, but I don’t know.
Oh, so you’d want something a bit more low-key and intimate?
You keep guessing, bab! [Laughs.]
How do you feel about being a national treasure?
I don’t know if I’m that. I’m a treasure, not a national one! But it’s lovely. I’m doing what I always wanted to do. Twenty- three years on from Big Brother, I’m doing stuff that I never dreamed I’d be doing. I don’t take it for granted. It could end tomorrow, and if it does, I’ve had the ride of my life.
Your first experience of TV was doing Big Brother . It was recently rebooted – would you ever consider going on it again?
I’m a big fan of Big Brother, and I’ll always love the show. It’s interesting – all the reality TV shows are after Aidan now! But I’m not having that, maybe when he’s older. I think 25 is the time to do stuff. I was 27 when I first got into TV. I want to let him live a normal life first and have normal jobs. He can do little bits with me, but I’m very protective of him.
You’ve also had a great reaction to For The Love Of Dogs. Are you tempted to get a pooch now?
Absolutely. I might foster, just because of the amount of work I have. I want to be there for my dog. It’s really hard because everyone wants me to have a dog, but I want to be a responsible owner. But it’s going to happen, and it’s definitely going to be from Batterse a because I couldn’t imagine having a dog from anywhere else. When it does happen, it will be the right dog at the right time. I like them all. My son wants a German Shepherd, I like Cockapoos.
What’s been your career highlight so far?
Being in heat magazine! I used to read heat as a teenager, it’s amazing. I’ve done everything now. Mic drop!
We’ve loved having you in heat! Is there anything else that you’d love to do?
Just to be happy and keep doing things I enjoy. Spending time with friends and family and enjoying life. If anything comes in, and it doesn’t fill me with joy, it’s a no. It’s a polite no, but a no nevertheless.
An early retirement isn’t on the horizon, then?
The day you retire is the day you die. Don’t ever retire. So many people retire and they die within two years because their minds stop working.
Do you have any plans for some time off?
I’m going to Paris soon for a little holiday. And maybe Jamaica in the summer time.
Alison Hammond’s Big Weekend is on BBC One Friday 16 May at 8.30pm