Alison Hammond Slammed for “Disrespectful” Gesture on This Morning During Breaking News Update

Alison Hammond, the popular presenter on This Morning, found herself at the center of controversy on February 17, 2025, after a breaking news update she provided live on air sparked an uproar among viewers. The update, which was an important diplomatic development regarding the ongoing peace talks about Ukraine, was overshadowed by an unexpected and seemingly disrespectful gesture toward her co-host, Dermot O’Leary. This incident has sparked heated discussions, with many questioning Hammond’s professionalism and the impact of her actions on the tone of the show.

The Breaking News Announcement

Alison Hammond’s breaking news announcement during the live show took everyone by surprise. As Hammond and O’Leary were hosting the segment, which featured guests Alison Phillips and Gyles Brandreth discussing the ongoing peace negotiations related to Ukraine, Hammond interrupted the lively discussion to bring in the crucial update. While the guests were offering their insights on the matter, Hammond quickly seized the moment to inform viewers of a significant diplomatic development.

She announced that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had arrived in Saudi Arabia to meet with Russian officials, marking the first in-person meeting between U.S. and Russian diplomats in two years. The news of Rubio’s visit was vital, as it signaled a more direct approach to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and could potentially impact the global peace process.

Hammond took the time to explain the significance of the visit and outlined the key figures involved in the talks, including Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov. This announcement was a reminder of the gravity of the international situation and served as a moment of serious journalism amid the light-hearted atmosphere of the show.

A Gesture That Stunned Viewers

However, while Hammond’s breaking news update garnered praise for its timeliness and importance, a gesture she made toward Dermot O’Leary immediately overshadowed her delivery. After Hammond’s announcement, she reportedly made an inappropriate and “disrespectful” gesture toward O’Leary, which left viewers shocked and outraged. The gesture, which appeared to be a playful yet unprofessional interaction, was not well-received by many who felt it diminished the seriousness of the news she had just presented.

The backlash from the public was swift. Viewers flooded social media with comments, criticizing Hammond’s decision to inject an awkward moment into an otherwise important and serious news update. Many expressed their displeasure with the timing of the gesture, particularly given the weight of the political discussions surrounding the ongoing Ukraine conflict. For some, the moment felt out of place and trivialized the importance of the breaking news.

The incident raised questions about the balance between maintaining a light-hearted tone and delivering serious updates on current events. Hammond’s gesture, which many interpreted as dismissive, added to the growing concern over how much This Morning has leaned into its playful, banter-filled format at the expense of providing balanced and respectful coverage of important world affairs.

A Response to the Outrage

As the public backlash grew, many viewers called for clarification or an apology from Hammond, O’Leary, or the show’s producers. However, neither Hammond nor O’Leary have publicly addressed the controversy or offered an explanation for the gesture. Whether it was an innocent mistake or a lapse in judgment, the incident left a sour note in the otherwise well-regarded segment.

It is possible that the reaction from viewers was influenced by the growing expectation that television hosts, especially those reporting on global issues, maintain a level of professionalism and decorum, even in moments of humor. The public’s response serves as a reminder of how careful presenters must be when balancing light-hearted entertainment with the responsibility of reporting serious news. Hammond’s gesture, although seemingly innocent, may have undermined the trust and respect viewers have come to expect from the show.

Behind the Scenes: This Morning’s Guest Hosts and their Dynamic

While the controversy over Hammond’s gesture was taking center stage, it’s also worth noting that she and Dermot O’Leary were stepping in as guest hosts for regular This Morning presenters Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley, who were taking a short break during the half-term holiday. This switch is a common occurrence on the show, which sees a variety of presenters filling in during holidays or special breaks.

Despite the ongoing scandal, Hammond and O’Leary continued to bring their usual charm and dynamic to the program, handling both the lighthearted and serious segments. Their ability to entertain, inform, and engage with guests is one of the reasons why This Morning remains a popular staple in British daytime television.

However, this controversy has also raised questions about the balance between the entertainment side of the show and the need to maintain journalistic integrity when covering global news. This Morning, which often features a mix of celebrity gossip, entertainment, cooking segments, and political discourse, has found itself at the intersection of both sides—struggling at times to manage its tone during significant world events.

Viewers’ Reactions and Social Media Commentary

As news of Hammond’s gesture spread across social media, it became a hot topic of conversation among viewers. Many took to Twitter, Facebook, and other platforms to share their thoughts on the awkward moment. Some defended Hammond, arguing that her gesture was merely part of her playful and humorous style. Others, however, felt that the gesture was inappropriate, especially considering the serious nature of the breaking news update.

For many viewers, the contrast between the important news update and Hammond’s casual demeanor was striking. In the midst of global political negotiations regarding Ukraine, some felt that it was crucial for presenters to maintain a more serious tone, particularly when discussing diplomatic efforts that could potentially affect millions of lives. As a result, some viewers questioned whether This Morning should reconsider its approach to covering hard news or find a better balance between entertainment and serious reporting.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for This Morning?

The future of This Morning seems uncertain in light of the recent controversy. The show’s producers will undoubtedly be monitoring the public’s reaction and may consider making adjustments to its format in order to better balance lighthearted segments with the serious updates that come with covering global issues.

For Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary, the focus will likely remain on maintaining their chemistry and engaging the audience during the remainder of their guest hosting stint. However, it’s clear that the public’s expectations of television presenters have evolved, especially when it comes to balancing entertainment with responsibility in an era where global events are constantly unfolding.

As for Hammond, this incident could serve as a learning opportunity, encouraging her to further refine her approach to presenting hard news, ensuring that she maintains a level of professionalism while still bringing her unique personality to the show. This Morning’s ability to evolve with its audience’s expectations will determine whether it continues to be a trusted source of both entertainment and information for viewers.