She’s TV’s current golden girl, but Alison Hammond has already had her taste of the darker side of fame after being forced to make a public apology earlier this month, following the unprecedented backlash she received for voicing her “devastation” over the news that singing along to musicals in theatres had been banned.
The TV presenter, 48, was thrust into the firing line after debating the controversial ban – sparked when a “mini riot” broke out during a performance of The Bodyguard in Manchester – with her co-host, Dermot O’Leary, 49.
Alison said, “[Theatre staff] are regularly walking up and down the aisles before the performance and during the interval with ‘No Singing’ signs. I mean, I can’t believe it, I’d be devastated.”
Her comments sparked a wave of explosive rows online and vicious backlash, which then forced the star to issue a remorseful apology on Instagram, saying, “After reflection and the comments I made on Wednesday’s show I want to apologise to anyone who I offended – especially the incredibly talented theatre performers, who I have the utmost respect for.
“I had no idea the level of disruption audiences were causing and tried to make light of the topic on Wednesday’s show, and for that I’m truly sorry.”
Her celeb pals, including Rylan Clark, Strictly’s Karen Clifton and Les Dennis, flocked to offer their support to the mum-of-one amid the fallout in response to her comments.
A-listers also waded in – with Ted Lasso star, Hannah Waddingham, writing, “And you very much do use your platform for good my friend. Always. Love you for this. Utter class. Sending you a squeeze.”
Now insiders tell Closer how her close pal and This Morning colleague, Holly Willoughby, 42, has stepped up to help Alison fight back against the haters.
The source says, “Holly’s infuriated by the unnecessary onslaught Alison has received by simply voicing her comments over being able to enjoy herself at a live show – something everyone has done.
“She feels extremely protective of her – especially in light of what she’s been through personally over the last few weeks – and has vowed to stand by her in a bid to help her fight back. They have a secret pact to speak up for each other and Holly will ensure she doesn’t become a target for any more backlash from the haters.”
Holly rallied to support the former Big Brother star last month following a terrifying alleged blackmail plot, which reportedly saw her hand over a BMW worth £5,000 to a former friend, who was said to have threatened to destroy her career by leaking personal information to the press.
It came just weeks after the newly-crowned Bake Off host split from her boyfriend of two years, Ben Hawkins. At the time, insiders told Closer how Holly had been Alison’s “rock” throughout her personal turmoil, being there day and night to comfort her friend who was said to have “reached the end”.
Holly has endured a fair amount of backlash herself in her rise to becoming TV’s golden girl. Most recently, back in September, her and This Morning co-host, Phillip Schofield, came under attack following the Queen’s death when they were blasted for seemingly skipping the line to see the monarch lie-in-state.
The scandal – named “Queue gate” – threatened to destroy Holly’s successful career, as fans called for the mum-of-three to be dropped from ITV.
The source says, “Having been in the firing line herself, Holly knows what it’s like to endure that level of negative public reaction and how emotionally taxing that is to deal with when you’re juggling a family and work.
“To be on the top of your game, and suddenly have the fear that it could all be taken away from you in a heartbeat,
is something she truly understands. Holly’s told Alison that she’ll just have to move on from this distressing incident.
“Alison is a naturally anxious person, so she automatically went into a tailspin and started panicking that everything she’s worked so hard for over the years was going to be destroyed.
“Having Holly there to remind her of what she’s been through, and how she managed to turn it around, has been invaluable for Alison and she’s praying that, like Holly, this will be old news and forgotten about by next week.
“This has been an extremely valuable lesson for Alison and a stark reminder of how hard it can be in the spotlight. Thanks to Holly, she’s now got coping mechanisms to help deal with this if history does repeat itself.
“While she’s hoping this will all blow over quickly, she is also acutely aware that it may not be the last time she endures something like this. But she knows that, with Holly and all her friends and supporters by her side, she has the strength to overcome it.”