A former This Morning star has ignited a fresh controversy by publicly questioning the interviewing abilities of popular television personality Alison Hammond. Jaci Stephen, who served as the resident TV and film critic on the ITV daytime show for seven years, issued a pointed critique in a recent column, suggesting that Hammond's reputation as an interviewer is undeserved.
Praise for Colleagues, Criticism for Hammond
In her article for The i, Stephen lavished praise on other This Morning regulars, highlighting their talents and contributions. She described Soaps Expert Sharon Marshall, her successor as 'Soap Queen', as 'terrific' and commended her writing skills on EastEnders. Similarly, she expressed admiration for Gyles Brandreth, calling him a 'joy' and praising his intelligence, quick wit, and charm.
A Direct Dig at Hammond's Capabilities
However, the tone shifted markedly when Stephen turned her attention to Alison Hammond. She wrote, 'I like Alison Hammond, but she is no interviewer, and the idea that she is needs to be knocked on the head with a very large mallet.' This stark contrast in her commentary has drawn significant attention, framing Hammond's skills in a less favourable light compared to her peers.
Alison Hammond has been a fixture on This Morning since 2002, initially working as a reporter and presenter. In 2021, it was confirmed that she and Dermot O'Leary would take over as the regular Friday presenters, succeeding Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes. Her long tenure and prominent role make Stephen's comments particularly noteworthy.
Background of the Critic
Jaci Stephen is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster with a notable career in media. She worked on This Morning from 1997 to 2002, and her departure reportedly followed ITV bosses' dissatisfaction after she published a positive review of a rival show. Her experience and history with the programme lend weight to her opinions, though they also contextualise the critique within industry dynamics.
Hammond's Response to Past Criticism
This is not the first time Alison Hammond has faced scrutiny over her career trajectory. Last year, she addressed criticisms about her frequent television appearances and major presenting roles. In an interview with The Guardian, she defended her position, stating, 'I've worked hard for 22 years to get here.' She also highlighted the unique challenges she faces, noting that her visibility partly stems from the rarity of seeing a Black woman in such roles on British television.
Hammond further explained her approach to managing her workload, emphasising her ability to decline opportunities that do not appeal to her. She revealed that she turns down numerous offers daily, asserting control over her schedule to avoid overexposure.
Ongoing Media Speculation
The debate over Hammond's skills comes amid ongoing media speculation about her future projects. Rumours have circulated linking her to potential appearances on shows like Celebrity Traitors, alongside other celebrities such as Cheryl Cole. This context adds another layer to the discussion, as her continued prominence in the industry remains a topic of public and professional interest.
Stephen's comments have undoubtedly stirred conversation within entertainment circles, raising questions about perceptions of talent and experience in broadcasting. As Hammond continues to navigate her successful career, such critiques highlight the subjective nature of media appraisal and the ongoing evolution of television presenting standards.
