Alison is teaming up with her son for the brand new TV project

ALISON Hammond has admitted her brand new travel show is inspired by her late mum.

The This Morning star, 49, has headed to sunny Florida for her new series on BBC Two and has been joined by her son, Aidan.

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Alison Hammond’s new show Florida Unpacked will pay tribute to her late mumCredit: Rock Oyster Media

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Alison’s mum passed away in 2020Credit: Collect
In the show, the duo will show viewers how they can take on Florida on a budget – something she used to do as a child with her own mum.

Alison opened up to The Sun’s TV Mag about her travels with her mother Maria, who passed away in 2020, and the reason as to why travel has always been in their DNA.

In an exclusive interview, she said: “For years, I worked as a tour rep, following in the footsteps of my dear, lovely mum – a hard-working, no-nonsense travel agent. Travel’s in my blood.

“Thanks to Mum’s money-saving tips, we managed to budget our way to a place that totally captured our heart – Florida.

“What you experience as a child, you naturally want to pass on to your own children, and Florida was such a big part of my life, so of course I want to share that with Aidan.

“We’ve always been together and travelled together. Usually when we go to Orlando, it’s theme parks or bust, but this time we’re doing things a little differently…”

Across the 10-part series, viewers will see Alison and Aidan hitting the road and exploring the sunshine state on a shoestring budget, visiting beautiful parks and making priceless memories by taking part in activities such as canoeing and paragliding.

“This trip was eye-opening,” smiles Alison. “We visited some stunning, historical places that I never knew existed. And the natural beauty is unbelievable.

“As we were canoeing through the natural springs, we saw monkeys and all sorts of wildlife.

“My mum wasn’t there this time, so that was sad, but it was still lovely because we could reminisce about the things we used to do together.

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“Both Aidan and I have so many memories with my mum, and this trip was a beautiful time spent with my son.”

Even though many teenage boys might think it’s uncool to holiday with their mum, Alison insists that she’s Aidan’s number one travel buddy.

“He absolutely loves it. He’s always asking: ‘Can I come?’” she smiles.

“The other day, he was saying how much fun we have together – I bring the LOLs, I am the life and soul, and he realises that. He’s been on plenty of trips with his friends, but he always says he has the best time with me!”

Alison Hammond’s rise to stardom

SHE graces our televisions every Friday, as she co-hosts This Morning with Dermot O’Leary.

But just how did Alison Hammond first find fame?

2002 – Alison competed in Big Brother, and was the second housemate to be evicted . She won over viewers with moments such as when she broke the table in the garden by jumping up and down on it.

It was this year that she also started presenting for This Morning in a guest capacity.

2003 – Alison had a small acting role on TV drama Doctors.

2004 – This was the year that Alison returned to reality television, starring in shows including Celebrity Fit Club and Celebrity Stars in their Eyes – for which she performed as Nina Simone.

2010 – After several years of presenting gigs and reality show appearances, Alison was signed up to appear on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! She came in 10th place.

2014 – This was a busy year for Alison as she competed on both Celebrity Masterchef and Strictly Come Dancing, coming in 10th in the latter.

2020 – Alison appeared on The Great Stand Up to Cancer Bake Off – her first, but not last, time in the famous tent.

2021 – Alison co-hosted This Morning for three episodes alongside Phillip Schofield.

It was later announced that Alison and Dermot would be replacing Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford as presenters of This Morning on a Friday.

2023 – Alison was announced as the new co-host of The Great British Bake Off, replacing Matt Lucas to present alongside Noel Fielding.

2024 – Following the death of Paul O’Grady, Alison stepped in as host of For The Love of Dogs.

2025 – An eight-part series titled Alison Hammond’s Big Weekend will premiere on BBC one next year, as she spends 48 hours with a celebrity in a bid to really get to know them.

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Florida Unpacked will follow Alison and her son around the sunshine stateCredit: PA

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Alison has always been close to her familyCredit: Instagram

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It is the This Morning star’s latest gigCredit: Rex

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Alison spoke to this week’s TV Mag