Alison Hammond’s future on This Morning has been clarified following reports that she is being considered by the BBC as a potential replacement for Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly on Strictly Come Dancing. Amid growing speculation about her next career move, it has now been confirmed that the popular presenter has renewed her contract with ITV, securing her place on the flagship daytime show through 2026.
Alison, 50, has been a permanent fixture on This Morning since 2021, quickly becoming one of the programme’s most recognisable and well-loved faces. Her warmth, humour, and relatability have resonated strongly with viewers, helping to solidify her position within ITV’s daytime lineup. With her profile continuing to rise across multiple networks and formats, it is perhaps unsurprising that she has also been linked to one of the BBC’s biggest entertainment shows.
Recent reports suggested that Alison had been placed on the BBC’s so-called “golden ten list,” a shortlist of presenters being considered to replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly on Strictly Come Dancing should the long-standing hosts step away from the show. In response to these rumours, ITV has reportedly moved quickly to ensure Alison remains tied to This Morning, making it clear that she is a central part of the programme’s future.
A source speaking to The Sun explained that Alison’s talent and popularity have made her an obvious candidate for major presenting roles elsewhere, including Strictly. However, the insider stressed that Alison is extremely happy where she is and has no current plans to leave This Morning. According to the source, while some schedule juggling might be required if other opportunities arise, there is no indication that Alison intends to walk away from her ITV commitments.
The same source added that while it was flattering for Alison to be considered for Strictly, her loyalty to This Morning remains strong. ITV’s decision to renew her contract through 2026 reflects how highly the broadcaster values her contribution and the role she plays in maintaining the show’s popularity with daytime audiences.
Despite her renewed ITV contract, Alison is still reportedly among ten high-profile stars set to screen test next month for the coveted Strictly Come Dancing hosting roles. Alongside her, presenters such as Bradley Walsh, Alex Jones, and Alan Carr are said to be among the frontrunners. The competition for the role is fierce, with other well-known names including Rylan Clark, Rob Rinder, Zoe Ball, Holly Willoughby, Amanda Holden, and Angela Scanlon also reportedly in the mix.
A separate source commented that while speculation continues, the final decision will ultimately rest with the BBC. They noted that no individual presenter is bigger than Strictly Come Dancing itself, and that whoever is chosen will be selected based on who the BBC believes will best complement the show’s format and legacy. The source suggested that the eventual hosts would need to bring warmth, authority, and chemistry to a programme that has become a cornerstone of British television.
Away from hosting speculation, Alison has also recently addressed criticism suggesting that she appears on television too frequently. In a candid interview with The Guardian, the Great British Bake Off host firmly dismissed concerns about overexposure, making it clear that she is selective about the work she accepts and comfortable setting boundaries.
When asked whether she worries about being seen too often on screen, Alison replied that she is not concerned. She explained that if a job does not appeal to her or if she feels she needs to rest, she simply turns it down. She revealed that she regularly declines multiple opportunities each day, insisting that she is confident in saying no and prioritising her wellbeing and job satisfaction.
Alison acknowledged that while it may appear she is constantly on television, part of the reason she stands out is because representation still matters. She pointed out that seeing a Black woman in prominent presenting roles remains less common than it should be, adding that similar criticism is rarely directed at long-established presenters such as Davina McCall or Ant and Dec. While she was careful not to centre the conversation on race, she made it clear that she is aware of the wider context in which such comments are made.
Reflecting on her career journey, Alison said she has worked hard for more than two decades to reach her current position. She noted that criticism, including opinions shared online, helps keep her grounded rather than discouraging her. She also rejected the idea that she views herself as a “national treasure,” instead describing herself as someone who simply loves her job and strives to improve every day.
Alison first rose to prominence after appearing on Big Brother in 2002, a background that continues to shape her approach as a presenter. Her experience in reality television has made it easier for her to connect with contestants on shows such as The Great British Bake Off, where empathy and understanding play a key role in her on-screen presence.
Speaking about her role on Bake Off, Alison explained that she relates deeply to participants because she understands the pressure of being judged in a televised competition. Having taken part in Big Brother, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, and even Celebrity Bake Off, she knows first-hand what it feels like to be out of one’s comfort zone under public scrutiny.
She shared that watching bakers grow in confidence over the course of the series is one of the most rewarding aspects of the show. Alison described how some contestants begin with limited skills, such as struggling to make caramel, yet learn quickly and go on to impress both judges and viewers. For her, witnessing that transformation is deeply moving.
Alison also admitted that she often becomes emotionally invested in the bakers’ personal stories. She said she finds it especially touching to hear about what contestants have left behind to take part in the competition, particularly those with young children. Knowing that some participants are spending weeks away from their families in pursuit of their baking dreams makes her root for them even more.
She explained that when a baker leaves the tent, it often brings a lump to her throat, underscoring just how connected she feels to their journeys. This emotional engagement, she believes, is what makes shows like Bake Off so special and relatable to audiences.
As speculation around Strictly Come Dancing continues, Alison Hammond appears firmly grounded in her current success. With her contract on This Morning secured and her reputation as a versatile, empathetic presenter stronger than ever, she remains one of the most sought-after figures in British television. Whether or not she eventually steps onto the Strictly stage as a host, Alison’s future looks firmly rooted in doing work she loves, on her own terms.
