Alison Hammond, the effervescent star of This Morning and The Great British Bake Off, has long been a beacon of positivity in British media. Her recent announcement of welcoming her first child with partner David Putman at the age of 50 sent waves of excitement through her fanbase. However, the joy of this milestone was tempered by an unexpected twist: a message from her new husband that left her reeling. As the public celebrates Hammond’s new chapter, the focus has once again shifted to her personal life, with netizens dissecting both her happiness and the surprising revelation from Putman.

A Miracle Baby at 50

Hammond’s journey to motherhood at 50 is nothing short of remarkable. Already a devoted mother to her 19-year-old son, Aidan, from her previous marriage to Noureddine Boufaied, Hammond had openly expressed her longing for more children. In a 2021 interview, she shared her regret at not having a larger family, saying, “I wish I hadn’t listened [to doctors about contraception after Aidan]. I always saw myself with five or six kids.” Her dream came true with the arrival of her newborn, whose name and gender she has yet to publicly disclose, keeping fans eagerly awaiting further details.

The announcement was made via a heartfelt Instagram post, featuring a photo of Hammond cradling her baby in a hospital bed, captioned, “My heart is full. Welcome to the world, my little miracle.” The post garnered thousands of likes and comments, with fans and celebrities alike showering her with congratulations. Co-star Dermot O’Leary commented, “You’re a superstar, Al! So happy for you,” while Loose Women presenter Ruth Langsford wrote, “What a blessing! Love you, mama.”

Hammond’s pregnancy was a surprise, as she had previously discussed the challenges of conceiving at her age. In a Good Housekeeping interview earlier this year, she hinted at considering adoption but remained open to biological possibilities, saying, “Life has a way of working itself out.” Her partner, David Putman, a 27-year-old Russian masseur and model, has been by her side throughout this journey, and their relationship has been a focal point of public interest due to their 23-year age gap.

The Shocking Message from David Putman

While Hammond’s joy was palpable, a message from Putman, whom she reportedly married in a private ceremony earlier this year, cast a shadow over the celebration. Sources close to the couple revealed to The Sun that Putman sent Hammond a text message shortly after the birth, expressing concerns about the timing of their new responsibilities. The message, described as “blunt” and “unexpected,” reportedly suggested that Putman felt overwhelmed by the rapid pace of their life changes, including their whirlwind romance, marriage, and now parenthood.

“It wasn’t a rejection of the baby or Alison,” an insider clarified, “but David’s honesty about needing time to adjust caught her off guard. She was expecting nothing but joy from him, so it stung.” Hammond, known for her emotional openness, was said to be “shocked and hurt” but has since been focusing on her newborn while navigating this private tension. Neither Hammond nor Putman has publicly addressed the message, and their social media posts continue to project unity, with Putman sharing a photo of himself holding the baby, captioned, “My family, my world.”

The couple’s relationship has faced scrutiny from the start, particularly due to their age difference and reports that Putman’s mother, Olga, disapproved of the romance. Despite this, Hammond has defended their bond, telling Good Housekeeping in January 2025, “We fit like a jigsaw. Age is just a number when you’re happy.” Their marriage, which took place in a low-key ceremony attended by close family and friends, was a testament to their commitment, but Putman’s message has sparked speculation about underlying strains.

Public Reaction and Weight Scrutiny

As with her pregnancy announcement, the public’s response to Hammond’s baby news has been a mix of celebration and distraction. While many fans expressed genuine happiness, social media platforms like X saw a resurgence of comments about Hammond’s weight, reigniting debates that surfaced during her pregnancy reveal. Having lost 11 stone (154 pounds) through lifestyle changes, Hammond has been vocal about her health journey, but netizens often fixate on her appearance rather than her achievements.

Posts on X included remarks like, “Alison looks amazing after her weight loss, but a baby at 50? That’s wild!” and “Her figure is goals, but I wonder how she’ll juggle motherhood now.” These comments echo the earlier focus on her weight, which overshadowed her pregnancy announcement. In a 2024 Daily Mail interview, Hammond addressed such scrutiny, saying, “I’m used to the comments, but I’m here to live my life, not to please everyone else.” Her resilience in the face of trolling remains a cornerstone of her public persona.

The emphasis on her appearance highlights a broader issue: the tendency to reduce women’s milestones to their physicality. Dr. Linda Papadopoulos, a psychologist who spoke on This Morning in February 2025, noted, “Women like Alison are judged disproportionately on their looks, which detracts from their strength and joy.” Hammond’s ability to rise above this scrutiny while embracing motherhood is a powerful statement of self-acceptance.

A History of Resilience

Hammond’s life has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. Her rise from Big Brother contestant in 2002 to a beloved presenter was not without hurdles, including a divorce from Boufaied in 2014 and a failed engagement to security guard Jamie Savage in 2017. She also faced heartbreak in 2020 with the loss of her mother to cancer, a period she described as “devastating.” Through it all, her bond with son Aidan has been a constant source of strength, and their close relationship has been evident in public appearances, such as their joint travel show Florida Unpacked in January 2025.

Her relationship with Putman, which began in late 2023 after she booked him for a massage, has been a whirlwind. Despite initial skepticism from some quarters, including Putman’s family, the couple’s chemistry was undeniable. Hammond’s openness about their age gap and her refusal to conform to societal expectations have made her a role model for many. In a 2024 Metro interview, she said, “I’ve never been happier. David’s my trusted companion, and that’s what matters.”

Navigating the Future

As Hammond settles into life as a mother of two, questions linger about how she and Putman will address their recent tension. Sources suggest that the couple is committed to working through their challenges, with Hammond prioritizing her newborn while maintaining open communication with Putman. “Alison’s a problem-solver,” a friend told Closer magazine. “She’s not letting this derail her happiness.”

Professionally, Hammond shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to host This Morning and The Great British Bake Off, with rumors of a potential Hollywood acting role in the works. Her ability to juggle a demanding career with motherhood is a testament to her resilience, and fans are eager to see how she navigates this new phase.

Conclusion

Alison Hammond’s journey to welcoming her first child with David Putman is a story of joy, surprise, and unexpected challenges. While her husband’s message added a layer of complexity to their celebration, Hammond’s strength and positivity shine through, as they always have. As she embraces motherhood at 50, she continues to challenge stereotypes and inspire others to live authentically. The public’s fixation on her weight and appearance may persist, but Hammond’s focus remains clear: her family, her happiness, and her unapologetic zest for life. In her own words, “I like taking up a little bit of extra space in the world”—and with her infectious laugh and boundless love, she’s doing just that.