I’d love to pick Michelle Obama’s brains over a cocktail... or sit down with Brad Pitt
Alison Hammond chats to KIRSTY HATCHER about lockdown dating, dream interviews and what she’s learned from Amanda Holden
ALISON HAMMOND is fast becoming the queen of our TV screens. From presenting This Morning on Fridays with Dermot O’Leary to joining Ant & Dec for their Saturday Night Takeaway, there isn’t much she can’t turn her hand to. And it’s not hard to see why, the 46-year-old Brummie is as bubbly in reality as she is on the box.
Now, as part of the celebrity panel for new BBC music guessing game show hosted by Paddy McGuinness, I Can See Your Voice, she joins Amanda Holden and comedian Jimmy Carr, in helping contestants try to win a cash prize by guessing who can or cannot sing from a group of strangers – without ever having heard their voices.
Here, Alison, who is mum to 16-year-old Aidan, talks about coping with lockdowns and why joining forces with Amanda and Jimmy has proved the perfect recipe for success.
You look fantastic, Alison.
It’s my glam team. They really enhance my beauty. They literally change my face.
You’ve said exercise is key to getting through lockdowns. Has it helped you mentally?
Always. As soon as I exercise I feel happier. I do more and I eat less. I need my trainer Ellis on Zoom with me or I will not do it. I always find something else to do. The last thing I think about is myself, but it’s important to put yourself first.
I’m learning to do that.
How did you get on with homeschooling Aidan?
He knew what he was doing so I was the hype team. Sometimes I would get messages from the school saying, “He hasn’t checked into this lesson,” so I had to be on his tail the whole time. He’s doing his GCSEs and I don’t have a clue about the work. It’s another level.
Who would be on your interview bucket list?
Michelle Obama. I think an hour with Michelle would be amazing and I could pick her brains over a cocktail. I’d love to sit down with Brad Pitt, too. I think we’d get on really well.
He’s been to Birmingham loads. Apparently he has mates there.
Was your response an instant yes when you were approached about joining the panel for I Can See Your Voice?
It was a no-brainer. When they told me about the concept and how there will be bad singers and good singers, but we’re not going to see them sing, I thought, “Well, obviously I’m one of the best singers you’re ever going to come across!”
It was just exciting not to be a contestant and be on the other side.
I think it’s a brilliant show for a laugh and it will bring families together. It felt like having a night out in the studio.
It looks as though you had a good time filming it, too…
It was so much fun. Jimmy and Amanda put a smile on my face. They are the funniest guys to be around in a lockdown. It was lovely to be with Jimmy, who obviously fell in love with me. We had the banter, but sadly we never had a cuddle or a kiss.
I’m such a touchy-feely person, I just struggled with that side of things. At first I didn’t see it working, putting me, Jimmy and Amanda together, but whoever did is a genius.
And Paddy was a dream to work with. We stayed in the same hotel and he had a cross trainer in his room. I was like, “Wow, I really need to be a bit more diva!”.
Did Amanda share any of the judging tips she’s picked up from doing Britain’s Got Talent?
She brought a wealth of experience. She taught me how to show a bit more leg. You know, sitting down and how to edge the skirt up a little bit. She taught me a bit about sex appeal!
What do each of you bring to the panel?
I think Jimmy was probably the best at spotting whether they were a good singer or not. I don’t know how he did it – I think he just guessed. Amanda brought her expertise because she is a singer.
She was good at spotting whether or not someone had an accent or a lisp. I just literally went against whatever I was thinking because I just couldn’t guess it.
Amanda has joked that you were trying to find your future husband on the show.
I spotted a few potentials. One was gay, so I couldn’t have him. I think the rest were too young for me. I’m not looking for a toy boy. I want someone older and wiser who can look after me.
Do you use dating apps?
I’ve been there and done it. I’ve had a boyfriend from a dating app and I’m not into them any more.
I’d rather meet someone naturally. Right now, being single is the worst, but dating in lockdown is not my thing.
■ I Can See Your Voice is on BBC1, tonight 7.25pm. Alison presents This Morning with Dermot O’Leary on ITV, Fridays at 10am