Alison Hammond tells trolls to 'mind your business' over age-gap relationship
There's a 22-year age gap between the pair
She's one of the most-loved TV presenters in the UK, fronting shows like Bake Off, This Morning and For The Love of Dogs, but Alison Hammond has experienced some online trolling over her relationship in recent years.
Alison, who turned 51-years-old in February, is currently dating 29-year-old model and massage therapist David Putman, with the pair mostly keeping their relationship out of the spotlight.
Speaking to Attitude magazine, Alison said: “Mind your business!
“No, genuinely, I think people spend far too much time worrying about other people’s relationships.
“If two consenting adults are happy, loved, respected and making each other laugh, what exactly is the problem? People will always have an opinion.
“I’ve learned that you can’t live your life according to everybody else’s opinions because you’ll end up exhausted and miserable. Love who you love.”
Going on to gush about her relationship, Alison added: “Life is too short to be in a relationship where you can’t laugh together.
“We’re different in lots of ways, but sometimes those differences are exactly what makes it interesting. And, let’s be honest, I bring the life experience and he brings the youth. It’s basically a human multi-generational home!”
Alison first met David when she booked in for a massage treatment. The pair quickly became friends before things turned more romantic.
READ MORE: Alison Hammond's new music show Name That Tune set to air in 2027
Meanwhile, Alison is back on our TV screens after she was forced to leave the This Morning sofa following a health issue last month.
The presenter clutched her chest and struggled to breath before being taken to hospital for tests. Luckily for Alison, she later revealed all her tests came back normal and she'd suffered a 'massive panic attack'.
One week later, she returned to the show with co-host and friend Dermot O'Leary, telling viewers: "It was the scariest thing that I have ever been through, it was surreal.
"I felt like I'd gone into the upside down world, I couldn't grasp my breath and it was a panic attack. It's the first time I've ever experienced anything like that and secondly it was live on TV. I thought OMG my son might be watching so I just ran off.
"I genuinely thought I was having a heart attack."
Alison is also currently on our screens with The Great British Bake Off, which airs every Tuesday night.
Check out Alison Hammond's impressive career below:
2002: Big Brother
Alison first brought her big and bubbly personality to our TV screens in 2002, landing a spot in the Big Brother house for the third series! Unfortunately for Alison, she was actually the third housemate to be evicted on Day 15, finishing the show in 11th place. Kate Lawler went on to win the series, with Jonny Regan as runner-up.
2002: Loose Women
Following her stint on BB, Alison was invited to join the Loose Women panel as a guest, where she later become a regular panellist between 2002-2006.
2002: This Morning reporter
Also in 2002, Alison joined the This Morning team as guest reporter, interviewing some huge stars including the likes of Tom Cruise, Dwayne Johnson, and Michael Bublé. Alison's hilarious interview techniques and bubbly personality was not only a hit with viewers, but also the A-list guests she was interviewing! Alison quickly became part of the This Morning family and has appeared on the show ever since.
2004: Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes
Alison transformed into American singer-songwriter and pianist Nina Simone back in 2024, during a celebrity edition of classic ITV/STV show Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes. She performed the track 'My Baby Just Cares For Me'.
2010: I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!
Adding another reality TV show to her list, Alison was part of the cast for the 2010 series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! She entered the camp as a late arrival on Day Six, joining the likes of Gillian McKeith, Shaun Ryder and winner Stacey Solomon. After completing two trials during her stint, Alison was the third camp mate to be evicted, finishing the show in 10th place.
2012: Celebrity Coach Trip
Alison was a contestant on the 2012 series of Channel 4 show Celebrity Coach Trip, pairing up alongside Sharon Marshall. The pair were eliminated in fifth place.
2014: Celebrity MasterChef
Showing off her culinary skills in 2014, Alison was a contestant on popular BBC series Celebrity MasterChef. Alison took part in series nine of the show alongside the likes of Christopher Biggins, JB Gill, Russell Grant, Jodie Kidd and Susannah Constantine. Sophie Thompson won the series.
2014: Strictly Come Dancing
Also in 2014, Alison took part in the 12th series of entertainment show Strictly Come Dancing! She was partnered with the lovely Aljaž Škorjanec, but the pair weren't able to impress the judges or viewers at home, finishing in 10th place. Following the show, Alison also took part in the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour 2015.
2018: Celebrity Haunted Mansion
Perhaps one of her more random picks of TV, Alison appeared alongside the likes of Katie Price, Lee from Blue, Simon from Corrie and TOWIE's Lydia Bright in 2018, on UKTV's Celebrity Haunted Mansion.
2020: Celebs Go Dating
Looking to find love, Alison joined the dating agency on E4 series Celebs Go Dating in 2020. After a few disastrous dates, which left viewers cringing, poor Alison left the show single.
2020: The Great Stand Up to Cancer Bake Off
In the same year, Alison did her bit for charity, taking part in The Great Stand Up to Cancer Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer. Alison was up against Alex Jones, James Blunt and Joe Sugg in the fourth episode of the series. Little did she know, Alison would be returning to the tent later in her career...
2022: The Masked Singer - I'm A Celebrity special
Alison dressed up as a Witchetty Grub for the I'm A Celebrity special of The Masked Singer in 2022. After singing 'Moving On Up' by the M People, Witchetty Grub was unmasked as Alison, with her going on to admit she could barely breath whilst in the costume.
2020- Present: This Morning Friday
After being part of the This Morning team for over 20 years, Alison was promoted to the official Friday presenter alongside Dermot O'Leary in 2020, following the exit of Ruth Langsford and Eammon Holmes. Alison and Dermot continue to host the show every Friday to this day, with the pair also covering holidays of the main presenters.
2023- Present: The Great British Bake Off
Following Matt Lucas' exit from The Great British Bake Off, Alison was announced as the brand new host in 2023. Alison presents alongside Noel Fielding, bringing her hilarious banter to the tent. She also presents the celebrity edition of the show alongside Noel, in aid of Stand Up To Cancer.
2024- Present: For The Love of Dogs
After the sad passing of former presenter Paul O'Grady, ITV/STV bosses announced that Alison would be taking over presenting duties on beloved series For The Love of Dogs. Despite a few harsh critics after her appointment, Alison's first series aired in 2024 and was loved by viewers! She also presented the Christmas special in 2024, with series two airing in April 2025, and series three in 2026.
2024-2025: Rob Beckett’s Smart TV
Alison featured on Rob Beckett's Smart TV as a captain alongside Josh Widdicombe. The show aired on Sky Max and NOW in the spring of 2024 and 2025.
2025: Florida Unpacked
In early 2025, Alison teamed up with her son Aidan for a brand new travel series called Florida Unpacked on BBC Two. The series shows Alison fulfilling her passion for travel as she explores Florida, providing viewers with budget-friendly travel advice and revealing the state's hidden gems.
2025: Alison Hammond's Big Weekend
BBC bosses announced in 2024 that they'd commission a new series called Alison Hammond's Big Weekend. Starting on 16th May, the six-part series sees Alison spend 48 hours with some of the UK's biggest celebs, including Jimmy Carr and Perrie Edwards, giving viewers an exclusive glimpse into their homes and lives. All episodes are now available on BBC iPlayer.
2025: Celebrity Gogglebox
In July 2025, Alison joined Channel 4 show Celebrity Gogglebox during episode five. Alison appears on the show alongside her son Aidan and her sister Saundra.
2026: Your Song
Alison has joined forced with Sam Ryder and Paloma Faith for Channel 4 series Your Song. Featuring everyday people, the show sees contestants stepping up to the stage and share their story with the world through a song they have love and connection for. The show first kicked off on 12th April, with new episodes every week.
2026: Name That Tune
Alison Hammond was announced as host of new music show Name That Tune in May 2026. She said of the show: "As a massive music lover, my biggest challenge as a host will be trying not to grab the mic and start singing along when one of my all-time favourite tunes comes on!
"And trust me… that will take serious self control! I grew up absolutely loving the original show so being part of this now feels like a real full-circle moment."
Author: Alex Ross
Alex Ross is a Digital Content Editor across Rayo brands, including the Hits Radio Network, Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Cool FM and Magic Radio. After beginning her career as a Marketing Intern with Bauer Media in 2016, she transitioned into digital editorial and has spent the past decade creating engaging content for millions of readers. Whether it’s reality shows, sitcoms, gritty crime dramas or hard-hitting documentaries, Alex is an expert in all things TV, as well as knowing the ins and outs of celebrities.