Alison Hammond breaks down as she reveals she was so cash-strapped in her early fame she couldn’t pay her mortgage and vows she’d still ‘work at Tesco’ if TV gigs ever dry up

Alison Hammond burst into tears as she explained how, in her early fame, she was so short on money she couldn’t pay her mortgage.

The beloved 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 actress rose to fame in 2002 when she appeared on Big Brother, before taking on small roles as a presenter on This Morning to support herself and her now 19-year-old son Aidan.

But in 2007 she said she was having a hard time finding work and was struggling, promising that if she ever found herself in that position again, she would ‘have no problem getting a job at Tesco’.

She told to The guard: ‘There was a time when I couldn’t pay my mortgage, and I was very famous at the time.’

The beloved TV presenter, 49, became emotional as she reflected on the struggles of her early career in a new interview (seen last month) on Sunday

Alison worked a few shifts at the local hairdresser during that time, answering the phone and blow-drying her hair. She told customers who recognized her that she was just “helping.”

She added, as she began to cry, according to the publication, “It’s not always good. But I was okay, you know?

‘That’s television, it’s fickle and it’s part of my journey, part of my strength. I know I’ll be okay because I’ve been okay before. I’ll go to work at Tesco and people will still love me.’

Earlier this month, Alison announced that she will be releasing her debut novel later this year, which revolves around the relationship of a TV star.

The star announced on social media that the romantic comedy Bombshell will be in stores from November 7.

The story is about a character named Madison who gave up her own dreams to support the career of her beloved television husband.

While the novel offers insight into Alison’s own relationships, authors often draw on their own experiences when putting their stories to paper.

Alison started dating 26-year-old Russian masseur David Putman after booking him for a £150 massage. The pair reportedly hit it off and are ‘happier than ever’.

The Birmingham-born woman rose to fame in 2002 after appearing on Big Brother, after which she took on small presenting roles on This Morning to support herself and her son Aidan, now 19.

But in 2007 she said it was hard to find work and she was struggling – and vowed that if she ever found herself in that position again, she would have no problem ‘getting a job at Tesco’

In a video posted to her Instagram Story, Alison said: ‘Hi everyone, I have some fantastic news for you.

“I have a new book coming out. Yeah! It’s coming out in November, in the fall. It’s absolutely brilliant.”

She continued: ‘My character is called Madison and she’s married to a TV heartthrob who is absolutely gorgeous.

Anyway, he drops a huge bomb on Madison that turns her life upside down.

“She’s given up so much for her children, 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 her new venture, saying: “It’s about time!”

Meanwhile, it was announced last month that the BBC wanted the former Big Brother star to present a new travel show.

Alison, who worked as a holiday rep before finding fame on TV, has reportedly been offered the chance to present Florida Unpacked, a show that would see her explore the Sunshine State.

She told 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 an ongoing nightmare for ITV as Alison is seen by them as one of their biggest stars but she is increasingly working for their rivals.’

It is thought BBC bosses could even air the programme at the same time as ITV’s regular broadcast, This Morning.

The insider added: ‘The travel show is the latest tempting offer she has made as BBC executives relish the chance to go head-to-head with This Morning.

‘It could lead to a situation where Alison is seen presenting the daytime programme on ITV, while also being seen on BBC One.’