Alison Hammond reveals the movie star she almost dated(Image: ITV)
She’s conquered telly, now This Morning favourite Alison Hammond has her sights set on cracking Hollywood. The presenter said she’d love to play a superhero – and she reveals the movie star she almost dated.
“I’ve always wanted to be a Hollywood actress,” she revealed. “Have I done it yet? No. But give me a call, Marvel. I’m ready for my close up.” Brummie Alison, who rose to fame on the 2002 series of Big Brother, teased an exciting encounter with one huge name. Opening up about her biggest regret, she said: “Not swiping right on Idris Elba when I had the chance (kidding… or am I?)”
Alison Hammond opens up on her movie dreams – and who from the big screen she almost dated(Image: BBC/Hearst Magazines UK/Matthew Shave)
Alison teases a missed romantic encounter with Luther star Idris Elba(Image: Getty Images)
The Great British Bake Off host, 50, is now one of the most in-demand stars on the box and became the new face of For the Love of Dogs following the death of Paul O’Grady. She currently presents ITV’s This Morning on a Friday with co-host Dermot O’Leary and is also a team captain on Rob Beckett’s Smart TV for Sky. Earlier this year her new travel series: Florida Unpacked, went out on BBC Two. It saw her travel the US state with son Aidan.
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For years Alison worked as a tour rep following in the footsteps of her mother, who was a hard-working, no-nonsense travel agent. She says she owes her success down to “being unapologetically me” and her mother. Asked about her biggest influence, she said: “Without a doubt, my mum. She taught me to laugh loud, love big and always be myself. And look where that’s got me – This Morning, Bake Off, three books, working with Maybelline…”
As well as Hollywood, Alison shared another dream of her’s. “If I ever got the call to join her (Dua Lipa) on stage for Physical, I’d be there in a flash.”
Whilst the opportunities are rolling in for Alison, she says there’s much more to be done for greater representation in the industry. Calling for more diversity in TV, she told The Big Issue: “We need more voices, more stories, more people from different backgrounds getting their shine. The industry is waking up but there’s still work to do.”
Alison on This Morning with her co-host Dermot O’Leary(Image: ITV)
Alison earned a huge sum last year, making around £35,000 per week after landing a series of lucrative deals. Host Alison also has money spinning jobs like being the voice of Wren Kitchens which bring in thousands of pounds. The host also has a deal with online firm Very.
The mum-of-one has been dating David Putnam, 27, for a year – after the TV favourite reportedly booked him for a £150 massage. Art began imitating life after she wrote about a woman dating a 27-year-old in her book Bombshell before even meeting model David. She was previously married to Noureddine Boufaied, the father of 19-year-old son Aidan, but they divorced.
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Alison with boyfriend David and son Aidan
The jobs just keep rolling in for Alison, as she’s reportedly being lined up to host the reboot of cult BBC series Hole In The Wall. The original show, which aired from 2008 to 2009, featured celebrities trying to fit through moving wall cut-outs to avoid being pushed into a pool of water. It was previously hosted by Dale Winton, with Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke later taking over. The BBC is yet to announce an official air date for the Hole In The Wall reboot, but if the pilot proves successful, it’s expected to make a comeback later this year.
Read Alison’s full interview in the latest The Big Issue.
