Alison Hammond broke down as she revealed that she was so cash-strapped in her early fame that she couldn’t pay her mortgage.
The much-loved TV presenter, 49, became emotional as she reflected on the struggles at the beginning of her career in a new interview on Sunday.
The Birmingham-born shot to fame in 2002 after appearing on Big Brother before taking on small presenting roles on This Morning to support herself and son Aidan, now 19.
But in 2007 she said work was hard to come by and had a hard time – as she vowed that if she ever found herself in that position again she’d have no problem ‘getting a job at Tesco‘.
She told to The Guardian: ‘There was a time when I couldn’t pay my mortgage, and I was really famous.’
Alison Hammond broke down as she revealed that she was so cash-strapped in her early fame that she couldn’t pay her mortgage
The much-loved TV presenter, 49, became emotional as she reflected on the struggles at the beginning of her career in a new interview on Sunday (seen last month)
Alison picked up a few shifts at her local hairdressers during this time answering the phones and doing blow dries and told customers who recognised her that she was just ‘helping out’.
She added, while beginning to cry, according to the publication: ‘It’s not all good all of the time. But I was all right, you know?
‘That’s television, it’s fickle and it’s part of my journey, part of my power. I know I’ll be OK, because I’ve been OK before. I’ll go and work at Tesco and people will still love me.’
It comes after earlier this month Alison revealed she is set to release her debut novel later this year which is based around the relationship of a TV star.
The star took to social media to reveal that the romantic comedy novel Bombshell will hit bookshelves on November 7.
The story follows a character named Madison who has given up her own dreams to support her television heartthrob husband’s career.
The novel may be an insight into Alison’s own relationships, authors often draw from their own experiences when putting pen to paper.
Alison began dating Russian masseur David Putman, 26, after she booked him for a £150 massage and the pair reportedly hit it off and is said to be ‘happier than ever’.
The Birmingham-born shot to fame in 2002 after appearing on Big Brother before taking on small presenting roles on This Morning to support herself and son Aidan, now 19
But in 2007 she said work was hard to come by and had a hard time – as she vowed that if she ever found herself in that position again she’d have no problem ‘getting a job at Tesco’
In a video posted on her Instagram Story, Alison said: ‘Hi everyone, I’ve got some fantastic news for you.
‘I’ve got a new book coming out. Yes! It’s coming out this November, in the autumn. It’s absolutely brilliant.’
She continued: ‘My character is called Madison and she’s married to a TV heartthrob husband who is absolutely gorgeous.
‘Anyway, he lands this massive bombshell onto Madison that kind of flips her life upside down.
‘She’s given so much up for her kids, her career, it’s time to reclaim her own worth. I’m not going to tell you anymore but it’s brilliant.’
Alison’s This Morning co-host Dermot O’Leary congratulated her on the new venture, commenting: ‘About time!’
Meanwhile, it was revealed last month that the BBC wanted the former Big Brother star to host a new travel show.
Alison – who worked as a holiday rep before finding TV fame – is said to have been offered the chance to host Florida Unpacked, a programme that would see her exploring the Sunshine State.
She told to The Guardian: ‘There was a time when I couldn’t pay my mortgage, and I was really famous’
A TV insider told The Sun newspaper: ‘This is a continuing nightmare for ITV as Alison is seen by them as one of their biggest stars – but she’s increasingly working for their rivals.’
It’s thought BBC bosses could even air the programme in the same slot as ITV daytime staple This Morning
The insider added: ‘The travel show is the latest tempting offer she’s taken up with BBC execs revelling in the fact they can put it head-to-head with ‘This Morning’.
‘It could lead to the situation where Alison can be seen hosting the daytime magazine show on ITV while simultaneously being seen over on BBC One.’