A veteran television critic has ignited a debate with a surprisingly blunt assessment of one of Britain’s most beloved presenters. Jaci Stephen, a former mainstay onThis Morning, publicly questioned Alison Hammond’s skills as an interviewer, sparking a ripple of discussion within the industry.
Stephen, who spent seven years on the ITV program, contrasted Hammond with otherThis Morningpersonalities she greatly admired. She lauded Soaps Expert Sharon Marshall’s insightful writing and described Gyles Brandreth as a “joy” whose brilliance is consistently captivating. This praise, however, wasn’t extended to Hammond.
“I like Alison Hammond, but she is no interviewer,” Stephen wrote, delivering her critique with characteristic directness. She suggested the perception of Hammond as a skilled interviewer needed a firm correction, using a vivid metaphor – “knocked on the head with a very large mallet.”
Hammond’s journey onThis Morningbegan in 2002, initially as a reporter and occasional presenter. Her warm personality and genuine connection with viewers steadily built her profile, culminating in a permanent Friday co-hosting role alongside Dermot O’Leary in 2021, taking over from established presenters Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes.
Stephen’s own tenure onThis Morning, from 1997 to 2002, saw her serve as the resident TV and film critic. An award-winning journalist, her contract wasn’t renewed after reportedly offering a favorable review of a competing program, a decision that signaled a shift in the show’s direction.
Hammond has previously addressed criticisms regarding her increasing visibility on television, firmly defending her hard-earned success. She emphasized that her prominent position is the result of 22 years of dedicated work and a conscious choice to pursue opportunities that resonate with her.
In a recent interview, Hammond revealed she confidently declines numerous job offers daily, prioritizing projects that genuinely appeal to her. She also pointed to the significance of her presence as a Black woman in a traditionally underrepresented space, questioning why her frequent appearances are scrutinized while those of other established presenters are not.
“It looks like I’m on TV a lot, sure, but I stand out partly because it’s still not the norm to see a Black woman doing this,” Hammond explained. She acknowledged the importance of representation and her determination to continue forging her path in the industry, built on years of unwavering commitment.
