Her career has soared to new heights this year and she’s fast become one of the most sought-after presenters in television. But last week details of Alison Hammond’s terrifying alleged blackmail ordeal surfaced.
Revealing how, for the past eight months, an unnamed man who she had considered a close friend had been demanding thousands – including a £5,000 BMW – Alison, 48, said she had been left “in shock”, describing the ordeal as “heartbreaking and terrifying”.
After reporting the man – who had allegedly vowed to “ruin her” and destroy her career – to the police, Alison is said to have cried to a friend, “I’m genuinely scared of what this man might do to me now that I’ve stopped with the handouts and reported him.”
Now, an insider reveals that despite celebrating another career high following her gig at the BAFTAs last month after landing the role of presenter for the new GBBO series, the bubbly star has been fighting to keep things together on TV for months.
The source says, “Alison has been pushed to breaking point which is why she went to the police. This has been going on for months. She’s been in agony over it all and paralysed with fear that her TV career was about to come toppling down because of someone wanting to spread lies.”
It’s claimed the accused took advantage of her kind nature and they forged an unlikely friendship, despite him having issues with drugs. Alison is said to have fought back tears and claimed that she had trusted the man – reportedly telling pals, “He wanted me to fund his life of luxury”.
It comes after Alison announced she was single on a recent episode of This Morning, following reports of a looming engagement to her boyfriend, Ben Hawkins. Alison and gardener Ben are believed to have been dating for almost two years, with Ben’s dad revealing in February that the couple had “proposed to one another”.
But just three weeks later, Alison revealed to co-host Dermot O’Leary that she was “single”.
The source adds, “On top of everything, Alison has had to deal with a break-up and she feels she just can’t trust anybody again, especially men. She is scared of sharing anything private with someone that she doesn’t trust. Her fear is that everyone is out to get her now that she’s so successful and she can’t understand why people want to knock her down. Thankfully, she’s got lots of family and friends around her to help her through this difficult period.”
And Alison’s celeb pals were quick to offer their support last weekend, just hours after the terrifying alleged blackmail plot was made public. Putting on a brave face in an Instagram snap surrounded by her pals, the mum-of-one – who shares 18-year-old son, Aiden, with her ex-husband, Noureddine Boufaied – told her 1.2 million followers, “Girl therapy night! Needed that” alongside a heart emoji. Nicole Appleton, Emma Bunton and her fellow This Morning presenter, Holly Willoughby, were among the girlfriends who rallied to support the heartbroken former Big Brother star.
Indeed, Alison and Holly were a solid team professionally last week too, with Alison standing in to support Holly while her co-star Phillip Schofield took time off.
And insiders say Holly, 42, has been going out of her way to be Alison’s rock since her secret ordeal has surfaced.
A source says, “Holly’s been by Alison’s side, holding her hand at low moments and supporting her through the pain and heartache.
“She’s been terrified to speak to anyone about what’s been going on. The relief Alison feels now it’s out in the air is huge, but she also has a lot of anxiety and upset to deal with, which Holly’s been helping her to unpack. They’ve really bonded in recent weeks.”
Last week, insiders told Closer how Holly had stepped up to support her colleague and friend amid her recent heartbreak – with Alison dubbing the mum-of-three her “on-call therapist”.
And while the legal case surrounding Alison’s blackmail plot is still ongoing, pals say Holly is planning a girls’ trip to give her friend a much-needed break from the trauma that’s been secretly destroying her life.
The source says, “Alison’s been putting on a brave face through it all, so Holly’s worried that it’s not truly hit her yet and that she’s going to need some real healing time so she can regain her strength and confidence.
“She’s urged Alison to take some time out and is planning a girls’ trip for some of her closest friends, which she hopes will help start the healing process.
“Alison is very grateful to have such an incredible support network around her, and while she and Holly have become close over the years, her recent support has meant the world to her and she’s told Holly how she’s come to see her as one of her best friends.”