The ITV show began with Hammond and her regular co-host Dermot O’Leary at the helm, however she left after a segment about pets.

O’Leary, 53, addressed her absence when the show returned after an advert break, saying: “Welcome back to This Morning, Alison is feeling a little unwell, so she’s just had to duck out.

“Hopefully she’ll be back.”

The former X Factor host later told viewers that Hammond would not be returning, and said: “Ali’s feeling a little unwell so I’ll be here for the rest of the show.”

Hammond’s representatives and ITV have been contacted for comment.

The TV personality, 51, rose to fame in 2002 when she appeared as a contestant on Channel 4 reality show Big Brother.

Hammond has since appeared on programmes including I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! and Strictly Come Dancing, having forged a successful career as a broadcaster.

She first appeared on This Morning in 2003 and became a co-host in 2021, and is known for memorable TV moments and celebrity interviews such as playing Connect 4 with pop star Beyonce.

Hammond also co-hosts The Great British Bake Off alongside comedian Noel Fielding.