Television presenter Alison Hammond has told online critics questioning the 22-year age gap in her relationship to "mind your business".
The 51-year-old, who hosts ITV’s This Morning as well as Channel 4’s Great British Bake Off, has been in a relationship with model David Putman, 29, since 2023.
Hammond stated that she disregards the commentary directed at her romance, adding that people spend far too much time concerning themselves with the lives of others.
Speaking to Attitude magazine, Hammond said: “Mind your business!
“No, genuinely, I think people spend far too much time worrying about other people’s relationships.
“If two consenting adults are happy, loved, respected and making each other laugh, what exactly is the problem? People will always have an opinion.
“I’ve learned that you can’t live your life according to everybody else’s opinions because you’ll end up exhausted and miserable. Love who you love.”
The presenter said one of the things she loves most about their relationship is that they are able to make each other laugh.
She said: “Life is too short to be in a relationship where you can’t laugh together.
“We’re different in lots of ways, but sometimes those differences are exactly what makes it interesting. And, let’s be honest, I bring the life experience and he brings the youth. It’s basically a human multi-generational home!”
Earlier this month, Hammond admitted she’s been “struggling” since suffering a “breakdown” live on TV.
The TV presenter, 51, was rushed off camera and sent to hospital during an episode of This Morning in October, later revealing that she had been suffering heart palpitations during filming. After getting checked out by doctors, Hammond confirmed that she had experienced “a little panic attack”.
In a speech read out by Kate Lawlor on her behalf after winning Attitude magazine’s Honorary Gay Award, Hammond said: “Some of you may have seen that I recently had a very public episode live on television.
“And, let’s be honest, if you’re going to have a breakdown, you might as well have it on ITV with loads of people watching.”
She added: “I’ve always tried to bring joy, laughter and positivity to people. So suddenly being a person struggling, rather than making everyone else laugh, is a very vulnerable place to be.
“I’m learning that vulnerability isn’t a weakness, and that’s something this community has taught me throughout with love.”
Hammond rose to fame in 2002 when she appeared as a contestant on Channel 4 reality show Big Brother.
Along with presenting This Morning on Fridays, she currently co-hosts The Great British Bake Off with Noel Fielding.
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