Alison Hammond confirms she's single just weeks after denying engagement rumours
The This Morning host has revealed she has split from boyfriend Ben Hawkins
Alison Hammond has announced she is single just weeks after shutting down rumours that she was engaged to partner Ben Hawkins.
The This Morning presenter was appearing on the show on Friday, 17 March when she made the shock revelation to viewers during a chat with co-host Dermot O'Leary.
Hammond, 48, was discussing the casting call for "vibrant single parents" for Davina McCall's new ITV reality dating show The Romance Retreat when she blurted out her relationship status to O'Leary, 49, stating: "I'm single."
The pair had been mulling over the merits of a more grown-up TV dating offering as Hammond shared her enthusiasm for McCall as a host.
She said: "I'm excited. And good on Davina for getting that one, I like that!"
O'Leary then appeared to hint that she should apply herself responding: "Hang on a second, have a kid over 18, the casting call, Alison, says ITV are looking for vibrant, single parents from across the UK."
Seeing the funny side Hammond then erupted into laughter as she confirmed: "Well I am single, I'm single!"
After hearing there was a cash prize for winning if you took part Hammond then admitted it's something she would consider doing - but she wouldn't keep the money.
Read more: Alison Hammond shuts down engagement rumours
She added: "I'd give the money to charity, but I could do that and find a nice man!"
O'Leary then joked: "Love and cash, your two favourite things!"
The announcement of her single status comes just weeks after Hammond confirmed that she and Hawkins were not engaged during another live broadcast following days of speculation.
At the time the show opened to the sound of wedding bells with O'Leary excitedly saying: "I hear congratulations are in order, someone is getting married."
Laughing, Hammond then dismissed the claims explaining: "Cut the music! I'm not engaged, I'm so sorry I'm not engaged!
Watch: Alison Hammond refutes engagement rumour
"I told you, if I was ever to get engaged or get married I would be the first person to tell you! I'd put it all over Instagram and TikTok!
"Sorry, it's fake news! I'm not getting married. One day it might happen, but sorry babes but it's fake news. You'd be the first to know!"
Dermot then completed the light-hearted segment by joking: "I was looking forward to walking you down the aisle!"
Hammond was first reported to be dating Hawkins - her gardener of two years - in February after she was seen leaving his Birmingham home.