Alison Hammond, the charismatic This Morning and Great British Bake Off presenter, has always been a beacon of positivity, captivating audiences with her infectious laugh and unapologetic authenticity. Recently, however, the 50-year-old star found herself at the center of online criticism following the birth of her second child, her first with husband David Putman. While fans initially celebrated her miraculous journey to motherhood, some netizens shifted focus to her appearance, accusing her of “rapid weight gain” postpartum. True to form, Hammond delivered a powerful response that not only silenced her detractors but also reignited conversations about body positivity and societal pressures on new mothers.
A Joyous Milestone Marred by Criticism
Hammond’s announcement of her newborn’s arrival was a moment of pure joy. Having welcomed her baby earlier this year, she shared glimpses of her happiness on social media, including a tender Instagram post captioned, “My little miracle has changed my world.” The birth marked a significant milestone for Hammond, who had openly discussed the challenges of conceiving at 50 and her previous regrets about not expanding her family sooner. As the mother of 19-year-old Aidan from her first marriage, she embraced this new chapter with husband Putman, a 27-year-old Russian masseur and model, whom she married in a private ceremony in 2025.
However, the celebration was quickly overshadowed by a wave of online comments targeting Hammond’s postpartum body. Social media platforms, particularly X, buzzed with remarks about her perceived weight gain, with some users speculating about her health and others criticizing her for “letting herself go” after her widely publicized 11-stone (154-pound) weight loss. Posts included comments like, “Alison looked so fit before the baby, what happened?” and “She gained it all back so fast, such a shame.” These remarks echoed the scrutiny she faced during her pregnancy, when discussions about her weight often eclipsed her joyous announcement.
Hammond’s weight loss journey, which began after a pre-diabetes diagnosis and was motivated by her late mother’s advice to “sort out your weight,” had been a source of inspiration for many. At her heaviest, she weighed 28 stone (392 pounds) and candidly described herself as “morbidly obese” and “dying.” Through lifestyle changes—regular exercise, including weightlifting and boxing, and a balanced diet focused on moderation—she shed 11 stone, reversed her pre-diabetes, and became a role model for sustainable health. Yet, the postpartum criticism suggested that her value was still tied to her appearance, not her achievements or happiness.
Hammond’s Fiery Clapback
Never one to shy away from addressing trolls, Hammond responded to the criticism with a blend of wit, defiance, and wisdom that left her detractors speechless. In a live segment on This Morning on May 10, 2025, she tackled the issue head-on, saying, “I’ve just had a baby, and I’m living my best life. My body carried a miracle, and I’m proud of every inch of it. If you’re worried about my weight, that’s your problem, not mine!” Her co-host Dermot O’Leary cheered her on, while viewers flooded social media with support, praising her for calling out body-shaming.
Hammond also took to Instagram, posting a radiant photo of herself with her newborn and a caption that read, “This body gave me my beautiful baby, and I’m not here to apologize for it. Love yourself, because I’m too busy loving my family to care about the noise.” The post garnered thousands of likes and comments, with fans writing, “You’re an absolute queen, Alison!” and “Thank you for shutting down the haters!” Her response resonated widely, sparking discussions about the unrealistic expectations placed on women, especially new mothers, to “bounce back” after childbirth.
Her clapback was not just personal but also a broader statement on body positivity. In a follow-up interview with Good Housekeeping UK, Hammond elaborated, “I spent years hating my body, and I’m done with that. I’m 50, I’m a mum again, and I’m happy. If people can’t handle that, they need to look in the mirror.” She emphasized that her health remains a priority, but her focus is on mental and emotional well-being, not conforming to societal standards.
The Bigger Picture: Postpartum Pressures and Public Scrutiny
The criticism of Hammond’s postpartum body reflects a pervasive issue: the intense scrutiny women face during and after pregnancy. Society often demands that new mothers quickly return to their pre-pregnancy figures, ignoring the physical and emotional toll of childbirth. For older mothers like Hammond, this pressure is compounded by age-related stereotypes and health concerns, with some online comments questioning her ability to “keep up” with a newborn while dismissing her joy.
Dr. Linda Papadopoulos, a psychologist who appeared on This Morning in February 2025, commented on the issue, saying, “Women in the public eye are judged disproportionately on their appearance, especially during life-changing moments like motherhood. It’s a distraction from their strength and resilience.” She praised Hammond for using her platform to challenge these norms, noting that her response could empower others to reject body-shaming.
Hammond’s experience also highlights the double standards faced by public figures. While her male counterparts are rarely critiqued for their physical changes, women like Hammond are subjected to relentless commentary. Her weight loss had been celebrated as a triumph, but the narrative shifted to criticism the moment her body changed postpartum, underscoring the fickle nature of public perception.
A History of Resilience
Hammond’s ability to confront criticism is rooted in her history of overcoming adversity. From her rise to fame on Big Brother in 2002 to her role as a beloved presenter, she has faced numerous challenges, including a divorce, a failed engagement, and the loss of her mother to cancer in 2020. Her weight struggles were particularly public, with moments like an embarrassing plane trip—where she felt compelled to buy two seats—prompting her to take action for her health. Despite trying a gastric band, which she found unsuitable, she opted for natural methods, proving her determination to prioritize herself on her terms.
Her relationship with Putman, which has drawn attention due to their 23-year age gap, has also faced scrutiny, yet Hammond has remained steadfast. In a 2025 Metro interview, she described Putman as her “trusted companion,” and despite a reported tension after his unexpected message post-birth, sources suggest the couple is working through their challenges. Her ability to navigate personal and public storms while maintaining her signature humor is a testament to her strength.
Support from Fans and Colleagues
While anti-fans focused on her weight, Hammond’s supporters rallied around her. Her This Morning colleagues, including Josie Gibson and Kate Lawler, praised her during a December 2024 segment when she showcased her weight loss in a mermaid costume, and their support continued postpartum. Gibson commented on Instagram, “You’re glowing, Al, and that’s what matters.” Fans echoed this sentiment, with X posts reading, “Alison Hammond is a role model for loving yourself no matter what,” and “Her response to the trolls was iconic!”
Hammond’s advocacy for self-love has also inspired others. In a 2024 What If? podcast with Lorraine Kelly, she said, “I want my journey to empower others to become the best version of themselves.” Her postpartum response reinforced this message, encouraging women to prioritize their happiness over external judgments.
Looking Forward
As Hammond settles into life as a mother of two, she remains a force in entertainment. She continues to host This Morning and The Great British Bake Off, with rumors of a potential Hollywood acting role on the horizon. Her focus, however, is on her family, including her bond with Aidan and her new baby. Despite the challenges of postpartum scrutiny and reported tensions with Putman, she projects optimism, recently sharing a photo of her family with the caption, “This is what it’s all about.”
Hammond’s response to her critics is a reminder of her enduring power to shape the narrative. By refusing to be defined by her weight, she challenges society to celebrate women for their strength, not their appearance. As she told Good Housekeeping UK, “I’m not here to be perfect. I’m here to be Alison.” And that, in itself, is more than enough.
Conclusion
Alison Hammond’s postpartum journey is a story of triumph, resilience, and unapologetic self-love. While critics tried to dim her shine with comments about her weight, her sharp and empowering response silenced the noise, proving once again why she’s a national treasure. As she navigates motherhood, marriage, and her career, Hammond continues to inspire millions to embrace their bodies and live boldly. In a world obsessed with perfection, her message is clear: happiness is the ultimate comeback. With her infectious laugh and fearless spirit, Alison Hammond is rewriting the rules—and winning hearts along the way.
