Alison Hammond: Triumph Over Criticism and a Mother’s Bond

Alison Hammond, the radiant star of This Morning and The Great British Bake Off, has long been a symbol of joy and authenticity in British television. At 50, her infectious energy and heartfelt openness have made her a national treasure, but her journey hasn’t been without challenges. From facing fat-shaming to navigating high-profile romances, Alison has weathered public scrutiny with grace. Her son, Aidan, has been a steadfast supporter, and her relationship with David Putman has brought renewed happiness. While rumors of a pregnancy and Aidan’s defense against fat-shaming lack evidence, Alison’s real-life story of resilience, motherhood, and love is no less moving, captivating fans across the UK and beyond.

A Career Built on Authenticity

Born on February 5, 1975, in Birmingham to Jamaican parents, Alison grew up in a close-knit family, with her mother working multiple jobs to support her and her two siblings. Her passion for performance emerged early, but financial barriers prevented her from attending drama school. Instead, she seized her moment on Big Brother in 2002, where her vibrant personality won hearts despite an early eviction. This launched her career on This Morning, where she’s now a beloved presenter, and roles on The Great British Bake Off (2023–present) and For the Love of Dogs (2024–present). Her ability to laugh off live TV mishaps and share personal struggles—such as her mother’s passing in 2020—has made her a relatable figure.

Alison’s authenticity extends to her response to criticism, particularly about her weight. In 2019, she spoke candidly at a Weight Watchers event about being fat-shamed, revealing the emotional toll of public judgment. In 2022, fans rallied around her after a This Morning caller appeared to fat-shame her while seeking dating advice, prompting an outpouring of support on social media. A notable moment came in 2023 when Alison gracefully shut down Cliff Richard’s insensitive comment about her size on This Morning, earning praise for her poise. These instances highlight her strength in facing body-shaming, a recurring challenge she’s tackled with humor and dignity.

Aidan: The Heart of Her World

Central to Alison’s life is her son, Aidan, born on her 30th birthday in 2005 to her then-husband, Noureddine Boufaied. Although Alison and Noureddine divorced, they maintain a positive co-parenting relationship, with Aidan staying close to his father’s family, including half-siblings from Noureddine’s remarriage. Aidan, now 20, has grown into a calm, supportive presence, described by Alison as “the yin to my yang” in a 2024 Good Housekeeping interview. “He’s grown into such a gentleman… He gives really good advice,” she said, noting his Gen Z perspective keeps her grounded.

Aidan has occasionally stepped into the public eye, appearing in a 2020 This Morning cooking segment and attending the 2021 Pride of Britain Awards with his mother. A viral 2021 TikTok post featuring Alison, Aidan, and Noureddine sparked fan reactions, with many mistaking Noureddine for Wet Wet Wet singer Marti Pellow. At the 2024 Multicultural Business & Community Champion Awards, Alison gave an emotional speech, apologizing to Aidan for “not always being there” due to her demanding career, saying, “I love you so much son… the reason I was doing it, was only for you.” This moment underscored their deep bond, with Aidan’s presence at the event signaling his unwavering support.

While there’s no evidence of Aidan publicly defending Alison against fat-shaming during a rumored pregnancy, his quiet strength has been a constant. In a 2024 OK! Magazine interview, Alison revealed Aidan’s role in her romantic life, noting he offers “great” relationship advice about her boyfriend, David Putman. His approval of David, a rare occurrence given Aidan’s usual disinterest in her partners, has been a source of joy for Alison, highlighting his protective yet mature influence.

Love and Resilience with David Putman

Alison’s romance with David Putman, a 27-year-old Russian masseur and model, has been a bright spot since late 2023. The couple met when Alison booked him for a £150 massage, and their friendship turned romantic despite a 22-year age gap. Going public in April 2024, they’ve faced scrutiny, including disapproval from David’s mother, Olga, who reportedly urged him to end the relationship due to Alison’s fame and age. Yet, Alison has pushed back against “toyboy” labels, telling Good Housekeeping, “It’s like a jigsaw; we fit and it all comes together… He’s so mature and sensible, and I’m so not.”

Aidan’s approval has been pivotal. On the Parenting Hell podcast, Alison shared, “Normally Aidan HATES anybody I date… When they met, he really liked him, he thought he was lovely.” This endorsement, coupled with their red-carpet debut alongside Aidan at a Candy Kittens event in June 2024, silenced split rumors. Sources told The Mirror in September 2024 that the couple has discussed marriage, with Alison feeling “the most content” she’s been in years. Her 11-stone weight loss, dropping from size 28 to 17, has boosted her confidence, with insiders noting she’s “glowing” and eager to “look her best” for a potential wedding.

Alison’s emotional moments, like tearing up on This Morning in November 2024 after mentioning David during a caller’s story, reflect her deep feelings. While no pregnancy has been confirmed—contrary to rumors—and no dramatic statements from Aidan about David exist, the public’s emotional investment in Alison’s happiness is evident. Fans on X regularly praise her, with comments like “Alison’s glow with David is everything” and “Aidan’s such a gent, proud of her!”

Facing Rumors and Embracing Truth

Speculation about a pregnancy or Aidan defending Alison against fat-shaming lacks substantiation. Alison has expressed a desire for more children, telling Hello! in 2021, “I wish I had three more… I have so much love to give,” and hinting at adoption in 2024. However, no credible reports confirm a pregnancy, and Aidan’s public comments have focused on supporting her career and relationships, not defending her against body-shaming. Alison’s past experiences with fat-shaming, like the 2022 This Morning incident, have been met with fan support rather than Aidan’s direct intervention.

Her resilience shines through. In a 2024 Birmingham Live interview, she addressed criticism of her age-gap relationship, saying, “People have said to me: ‘We get it now.’” Her health journey, overcoming pre-diabetes through diet and exercise, has further empowered her, as she declared, “Look at me, I’m a bombshell.”

A Legacy of Love

Alison’s story is one of triumph over adversity, from fat-shaming to romantic setbacks. Aidan’s quiet support and David’s love have fortified her, while her fans celebrate her authenticity. Upcoming projects, like a BBC travelogue with Aidan exploring Florida, promise more heartwarming moments. Whether or not marriage or more children lie ahead, Alison’s journey—marked by laughter, tears, and an unapologetic spirit—continues to inspire. As she told the MBCC Awards audience, “Be unashamedly you… don’t let anyone hold you back.”