SINCE launching to fame in the early noughties, Alison Hammond has become one of the biggest success stories in British TV history.

The bubbly star may have started on Big Brother, but she is now considered a national treasure. Here is her incredible rise to the big time.

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This Morning star Alison Hammond is one of the most sought after stars in the UKCredit: Rex

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The star has risen up the ranks of TV presenting and now hosts Bake OffCredit: PA

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The bubbly star got her big break on Big BrotherCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
After leaving school, Alison Hammond worked as a travel rep and cinema usherette.

She previously admitted in an interview on ITV’s Lorraine that she only applied for Big Brother because of financial woes.

“At the time, I was £4,000 in debt,” Alison Hammond told Lorraine Kelly. “I went into an internet cafe to apply online.”

Little did she know her fortunes were about to change forever…

BIG BROTHER FAME

Alison described herself in her audition video as being “addicted to Vaseline”, and a “huge Harry Potter fan”.

Her application was a success, and she burst onto our screens in 2002 in the third series of Big Brother.

Known for being one of most iconic BB series ever, season three launched stars like Radio 1 presenter Adele Roberts, TV personality Kate Lawler, and the late Jade Goody.

Surprisingly, she only managed 15 days in the house before becoming the third housemate to be evicted.

However, her short but sweet stay certainly left an impression on viewersOG Big Brother fans will remember the iconic moment when she broke a wooden picnic bench after jumping up and down on it.

“I’m really sorry,” a guilty Alison confessed in the diary room. “I could probably bend it back?”

A THIS MORNING PERSON

Some fans may be surprised to hear that Alison has actually worked for This Morning for over twenty years.

Shortly after leaving the Big Brother house, she landed the job of the show’s entertainment reporter in 2003.

Alison’s stint as a showbiz presenter resulted in many memorable hilarious moments.

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Alison hosts This Morning on Fridays alongside Dermot O’LearyCredit: Rex
This included the time she interviewed Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling about ‘Blade Runner: 2049’, in which she revealed she’d never seen the original film, before downing whisky with the A-listers.

But Alison got her big break on the show when she landed the This Morning hosting Friday gig along with Dermot O’Leary in 2020.

SOUGHT AFTER STAR

As well as her regular hosting gigs, Alison has appeared on many popular primetime shows.

She was a judge on the BBC competition I Can See Your Voice, and also used to regularly appear on Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.

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Alison even had a go at I’m A Celebrity in 2010Credit: Rex
As the queen of reality TV, you may also have seen her on I’m A Celebrity, Celebrity Stars In Their Eyes, Celebrity Ready Steady Cook, Celebrity Coach Trip,  and Celebrity MasterChef.

Alison also took part in ITV’s DNA Journey, alongside her pal Kate Garraway.

BECOMING A BAKE OFF STAR

Alison made a huge impression on Channel 4 bosses when she appeared on Celebrity Bake Off in 2020, alongside Joe Sugg, Alex Jones and James Blunt.

In fact, she made such an impact on the show’s producers they offered her the job of co-host in 2023.

Alison then joined forces with comedian Noel Fielding and replaced Matt Lucas who said he was stepping down from the role due to clashing with other projects.

After joining the Bake Off team, Alison said: “It’s OFFICIAL!!! It’s happening The Great British Bake off! Let’s have it”

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Alison has teamed up with her son for a new travel showCredit: BBC

NEW SHOW

The busy star now works for all of the main channels after landing a show on the BBC – and this time she is teaming up with her beloved son.

Called Florida Unpacked, the show sees her exploring the sunshine state with her son Aidan, aged 19.

Fans will see the mother and son make their way around all the very best that Florida has to offer on an affordable budget.

The series kicks off on Monday, January 27, at 6.30pm on BBC Two.

Alison Hammond’s rise to stardom

SHE graces our televisions every Friday, as she co-hosts This Morning with Dermot O’Leary.

But just how did Alison Hammond first find fame?

2002 – Alison competed in Big Brother, and was the second housemate to be evicted . She won over viewers with moments such as when she broke the table in the garden by jumping up and down on it.

It was this year that she also started presenting for This Morning in a guest capacity.

2003 – Alison had a small acting role on TV drama Doctors.

2004 – This was the year that Alison returned to reality television, starring in shows including Celebrity Fit Club and Celebrity Stars in their Eyes – for which she performed as Nina Simone.

2010 – After several years of presenting gigs and reality show appearances, Alison was signed up to appear on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! She came in 10th place.

2014 – This was a busy year for Alison as she competed on both Celebrity Masterchef and Strictly Come Dancing, coming in 10th in the latter.

2020 – Alison appeared on The Great Stand Up to Cancer Bake Off – her first, but not last, time in the famous tent.

2021 – Alison co-hosted This Morning for three episodes alongside Phillip Schofield.

It was later announced that Alison and Dermot would be replacing Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford as presenters of This Morning on a Friday.

2023 – Alison was announced as the new co-host of The Great British Bake Off, replacing Matt Lucas to present alongside Noel Fielding.

2024 – Following the death of Paul O’Grady, Alison stepped in as host of For The Love of Dogs.

2025 – An eight-part series titled Alison Hammond’s Big Weekend will premiere on BBC one next year, as she spends 48 hours with a celebrity in a bid to really get to know them.