Interview: This Morning TV presenter Alison Hammond
We sat down for a Q&A with Alison to talk about skincare, celebs, and what she demands in her TV dressing room. OK, so we say demands, but she really doesn’t – and she really is as lovely in person as she is on screen.
Alison, why have you’ve teamed up with Tropic Skincare?
“I’ve always believed skincare should make you feel good – not just look good – and that’s exactly what Tropic does. The products are gorgeous, they feel luxurious, and they fit into real life. I’m busy and am always on the go, so I need products that actually work – and they really do.”
What’s your daily skincare routine?
I’m all about keeping it simple. I start by cleansing properly with the Radiance Cleansing Oil, because it gets everything off without stripping my skin. Then I hydrate with the Hydrating Cleanser, moisturise with Skin Feast, and then the Sun Day SPF to make sure my skin’s ready before I head off to work. At the end of a long day, there’s also nothing better than taking all my make-up off with the range and having that fresh-face feeling, too.”
You can only choose one product. What and why?
“It has to be the Radiance Cleansing Oil. I absolutely love it because it melts everything away, but never leaves my skin feeling dry. It’s one of those products you look forward to using!”
On to TV, kicking off with Big Brother 24 years ago! You must have done something comical to win the casting agents over…
“I honestly think I was just completely myself. I didn’t have a game plan or a party trick – well maybe I just wanted to win the money as I was in debt! I just walked in talking nineteen to the dozen! I think people can spot when someone’s genuine, and luckily they seemed to like me just as I am.”
Since then, you’ve been in different reality shows. Which did you like doing the most?
“Every show has given me something different, but I’ll always have a soft spot for Big Brother because it completely changed my life. Without that, none of the rest would’ve happened. I also enjoyed Strictly. The dresses, the dances and Alijaz!”
Which celeb have you gelled with the most – and what would you chat about on your WhatsApp?
“That’s impossible! I’ve met so many wonderful people over the years. Everyone’s different, and I love finding that little connection with each person. My WhatsApp would probably just be full of voice notes, laughing and checking in on each other. I enjoyed meeting Prince Harry for the launch of the Invictus Games 2027 in Birmingham, my hometown. He was so warm and kind and passionate, and it was lovely to chat to him.”
Let’s Talk This Morning – why do you think you’re such a hit on the show?
“With me, what you see is what you get. I don’t pretend to be anyone else. If something makes me laugh, I’ll laugh. If I get emotional, I get emotional. People seem to appreciate honesty. I also have a wonderful side kick in the form of Dermot O’Leary. What a treat it is spending time with him.”
Your celeb interviews have always been spot-on. How have you managed to get away with it?
“I think it’s because I’m genuinely interested in people. I never go in trying to catch anyone out. I just have a conversation, and hopefully they forget the cameras are even there.”
What’s been your favourite celebrity chat so far?
“There have been so many! Honestly, every interview has its own special moment, so picking one feels a bit unfair. But if you made me pick one (or two), I always love interviewing The Rock and Hugh Jackman. I’ve been incredibly lucky.”
Any celebs that haven’t got your personality as much as you’d have liked?
“Sometimes people are a little nervous at first, and that’s completely understandable. I just keep chatting, make them feel comfortable and usually, before long, we’re having a lovely laugh together. It’s usually actors who get the most nervous, because they’re used to playing a character.”
Who would you love to interview?
“Somebody like Michelle Obama. She’s incredibly interesting but I’d love to see the person behind all the glamour and have a proper chat.”
Apparently, backstage Lady Gaga once asked for a mannequin with pink pubic hair; while Madonna reportedly demands a new toilet seat in every venue she visits. Time for you to be a proper diva. What do you ask for?
Oh, mine’s easy! A lovely comfy chair, a fan because I’m always hot, plenty of Diet Coke, some Percy Pigs – and someone to tell me every five minutes that I’m fabulous! That’s about as diva-ish as I get.”
Let’s do the Gavin and Stacey game. You’ve got to go on a cruise with a celeb; marry one and live with them forever; and you’ve got to sleep with another. Who and why?
“You’re trying to get me in trouble! I’m going to politely pass on that one and keep all my celeb friends speaking to me. Can we swap it for ‘cruise with, cook with and karaoke with?’ I’d happily do that!”
What’s in your future?
“Keep watching me on This Morning and whatever adventure I end up on next, because there’s always something around the corner! Not forgetting my new show Name That Tune coming out in 2027. I think I was made to be a quiz show host!”
Finally, please tell us one fact that no one knows about you – until now.
“People think because I’m always chatting that I’m the loudest person in every situation, but I really enjoy quiet moments at home. Sometimes my perfect evening is comfy clothes, a takeaway, and absolutely nothing in the diary. I also adore gardening – my garden is looking great.”
Find out more about Tropic Skincare’s range and shop over at www.tropicskincare.com
