Alison Hammond shares sad update following This Morning health scare as she skips award show

Alison Hammond has shared a heartbreaking update about her wellbeing after she was forced to miss an awards ceremony following her recent health scare on This Morning.

The 51-year-old presenter left viewers seriously concerned last Friday (October 2) when she suddenly rushed off the ITV show's set while clutching her chest and struggling to breathe.

Although she later reassured fans that hospital tests had come back clear, Hammond has now admitted she's still struggling with the aftermath of the terrifying experience.

The Great British Bake Off host was noticeably absent from the Attitude Awards on Wednesday (7 October), where she was due to receive the Honorary Gay Award.

Instead, fellow former Big Brother contestant Kate Lawler attended on her behalf, delivering an emotional message from Alison about what she's been going through.

Alison Hammond skipped an award show after the incident live on This Morning (ITV)

Speaking to the audience, Lawler explained that she'd spoken to her friend since the incident.

"I've spoken to Alison since and it was one of the scariest things she has gone through," she revealed.

"She didn't think she was having a panic attack, she thought she was having a heart attack."

Lawler then read out Hammond's acceptance speech, which offered a candid insight into how the usually bubbly presenter has been feeling.

"I've always tried to bring joy, laughter and positivity to people," the message began.

"So suddenly being a person struggling, rather than making everyone else laugh, is a very vulnerable place to be.

"I'm learning that vulnerability isn't a weakness, and that's something this community has taught me throughout with love."

Despite everything, Hammond couldn't resist bringing some of her trademark humour to the speech.

"Some of you may have seen I've recently had a very public episode live on television," she continued.

"And let's be honest, if you're going to have a breakdown you might as well have it on ITV with loads of people watching."

She also took the opportunity to praise her This Morning co-host Dermot O'Leary, who helped her during the frightening ordeal.

"Dermot O'Leary handled it beautifully," she said, joking that he deserved his own award because he was 'the gayest straight man on the planet'.

The emotional update comes almost a week after Hammond was seen suddenly leaving the studio during Friday's live broadcast.

O'Leary initially told viewers that his co-presenter was feeling unwell, before confirming she wouldn't be returning for the remainder of the programme.

Hammond later posted a video from her hospital bed, explaining that she'd experienced heart palpitations and was undergoing checks.

The following day, she shared the reassuring news that doctors had found nothing concerning after examining her heart, lungs and blood.

"Which would mean I had a massive panic attack on live TV," she explained at the time.

"But it felt very real to me. I'm really new to panic attacks, so I need to learn more about it."

The presenter also faced cruel comments from Katie Hopkins, who mocked her health scare on social media.

However, Hammond was praised for responding with kindness, explaining that she'd genuinely believed she was having a heart attack and wouldn't wish the experience on anyone.

Even though she wasn't able to collect her award in person, she made sure to thank the community for teaching her that it's OK to be vulnerable.