Alison Hammond has come a long way since bursting onto our screens on "Big Brother" [1] in 2002. After her stint on the reality TV show, she was offered a small presenting role on ITV's "This Morning" and quickly became popular with viewers thanks to her infectious laugh and hilarious celebrity interviews. Fast forward 20 years (!) and she's now the host of the much-loved "Great British Bake Off" [2], presenting alongside Noel Fielding on the iconic series.
The wholesome reality show, which returns to our screens on 26 Sept., is the perfect booking for Hammond who will no doubt leave the amateur bakers and judges, Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood, in hysterics with innuendo-filled baking quips. Taking over from Matt Lucas, who left the show in December 2022, Hammond might be running the ship, but she won't be able to help with any baking skills if her dismal appearance on the celebrity Stand Up 2 Cancer version is anything to go by.
Over the last two decades, Hammond has become a national treasure, appearing on the likes of "Strictly Come Dancing", "I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here", and as a permanent main presenter on the ITV daytime show, winning over the hearts of everyone she meets. She even made her Hollywood acting debut in the 2018 film "Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation", voicing the role of Ginger, no less.
But it's this year that has taken the Birmingham-born presenter to new heights. Hammond was the co-presenter at the prestigious BAFTA Awards [3] in Feb. alongside the legendary Richard E Grant, and is now taking on Bake Off tent. Hammond's star is shining brightly, and we couldn't be more thrilled. In celebration of her career highs, read on to take a look back at some of Hammond's most iconic and hilarious celebrity TV interviews — it's impossible not to laugh out loud.
— Additional reporting by Sian Meades-Williams
Alison Hammond's Funniest Interviews: Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling
In perhaps her most viral interview to date, Hammond's witty quips left Harrison Ford [4] and Ryan Gosling [5] so unable to cope during their interview about "Blade Runner 2049" in 2017 that "The Notebook" star actually got up and left, while Ford was left reaching for a drink. "I don't know what to say now. Is this an interview?", Gosling actually asked the ITV host, which left Hammond steering her questions towards Ford. "Alright, I'll go with you, Harrison. You're my man today. Get out the way," she sternly said to Gosling. Leaving Hollywood stars in fits of laughter is no mean feat, but Hammond's no-nonsense attitude had the country in stitches.
Alison Hammond's Funniest Interviews: Hugh Jackman
It's not every day you get a date with Wolverine, but Hammond managed to romance actor Hugh Jackman [6]. After the pair acknowledged that the "chemistry" between them was palpable, Hammond set up a very creative date in lieu of an interview about his 2017 film "Logan". Popping open the champagne and romantically feeding each other chocolates (the jealousy was real), Jackman said himself that "it's very difficult to keep talking about the film" while locking eyes with Hammond. He even noticed that her nails were done especially for the interview.
Alison Hammond's Funniest Interviews: Dwayne Johnson
Asking Dwayne Johnson what drew him to his character in the 2017 film "Baywatch", Johnson simply replied: "the opportunity to get naked". In true Hammond interview fashion, she responded with what all of us were thinking, and said: "And you look good!" Pulling out a ring from her bra, Hammond practiced what a proposal scene would be like with the actor. And let us tell you, if it were us being fake-proposed to by the "Black Adam" star, our hearts would have been beating out of our chest. "I'm getting married! I'm getting married everyone," Hammond shouted. But would the nuptials every really take place?
Alison Hammond's Funniest Interviews: Dwayne Johnson 2
Later in 2017, Hammond was reunited with Johnson and his "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" costar, Kevin Hart. Like a true gentleman, Johnson not only remembered his proposal, but followed through with it! A true pro, Hammond was prepared and re-emerged in a white bridal gown, veil, and bouquet of flowers as the pair said "I do". Ordained by Hart, the happy couple were declared husband and wife. . . sort of.
Alison Hammond's Funniest Interviews: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Back in 2017, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle [7] appeared in Nottingham on their first royal outing as a newly-engaged couple to mark World Aids Day. Hoping to get a glimpse of the action, Hammond told Prince Harry that he was "live on This Morning" as he walked past. Despite her attempt at charming the royal, Harry swerved her microphone. In an attempt to get his then-fiancée's attention, Hammond can be heard shouting "Megs!". After some perseverance (and a lap around the crowd!), Hammond eventually got a quick acknowledgement. And her efforts were made even more iconic as her voice could be heard in the couple's Netflix docuseries [8].
Alison Hammond's Funniest Interviews: Hugh Jackman 2
In yet another interview with her favourite celebrity, Hammond managed to organise yet more date plans with the Jackman. Whilst discussing his 2019 stage show, "The Man, The Music, The Show", Hammond told the actor that she would be watching him perform in her home-town, Birmingham. Playfully teasing her, Jackman added: "But we're not performing, I'm just coming to see you!" Playing along with his joke, Hammond responded: "I wasn't going to tell anyone that bit... I've got a jacuzzi by the way, obviously bring your wife as well."
Alison Hammond's Funniest Interviews: Lady Gaga
In 2021, Hammond met and spoke with none other than Lady Gaga [9] herself. Discussing the release of the movie "House of Gucci", the "Million Reasons" singer revealed that she decided to stay in the character of Patrizia Reggiani whilst filming, even off-set. But away from her hard work on the film, Lady Gaga couldn't wait to sink her teeth into a British classic: Fish and chips with mushy peas. "I wanna show you around London now," Hammond tells the singer. "I love a pub with some fish and chips and some mashed peas," Lady Gaga responded. A woman after our own heart!
Alison Hammond's Funniest Interviews: Harrison Ford 2
Five years after Hammond's initial interview with Ford, she met with the Indiana Jones star once again in 2022. And Hammond even had the nerve to blame the 80-year-old for what went down in their first meeting, to which he brilliantly responded: "No, that was not me. You started it!" Hammond then celebrated the icon's 80th birthday with an impressive Indiana Jones-style hat cake - which he casually brushed over. Better luck next time, Hammond!
Alison Hammond's Funniest Interviews: Michael Bublé
Hammond and Bublé could well be a match made in heaven. Having met a number of times over the years, the 2019 interview has to be one of our favourites. The pair sing a Christmas duet and even share a kiss under the mistletoe.
Alison Hammond's Funniest Interviews: Arnold Schwarzenegger
Meeting Schwarzenegger for the first time back in 2020, Hammond naturally wanted to prove that she could be a "badass" too. After confusing the "Terminator" actor a little, she threw another curveball at him by asking him to choose the best curtain swatch for her house. Iconic!