Alison Hammond gives ultra rare details on new boyfriend and 22-year age gap

Alison Hammond has never looked better - and grinning mischievously, the Bake Off host claims its all down to one thing - the power of love.

The bubbly TV star, 51, has been with Russian model and massage therapist David Puttnam since 2023, and in an exclusive interview, teases that her enviable glow is all down to being head over heels.

Ive got a lovely man in my life, she says simply, as we catch up on a sunny hotel balcony in central London. Together for over two years now, theyve settled into a lovely rhythm, she explains - with absolutely zero drama.

Its just easy. I think thats when you know youve got something special. He just sees me for who I am. We choose each other, every day.

When we ask whether there might be wedding bells, the mum-of-one pulls an amused face. I dont think so. We dont need to! Were both cool.

There has been much said about the pairs 22-year age gap, but with a wave of the hand, Alison admits its not something she loses any sleep over. Its nothing to do with anyone else. Yeah, people are going to talk. People do. But thats their business, not mine.

Alison brought up. her son, Aiden from a previous relationship, now 20 and a successful DJ, as a single mum. And she admits, it was vital that Aiden was on-board when she began dating David. "He's the man of the house - if they didn't get on, he wasn't staying!"

And she couldn't be prouder of the young man Aiden's become. "He's DJing, doing really well and he's done it in his own right. Everyone who comes up to me and speaks about Aiden says what a lovely young man he is."

Another important man in her life is her This Morning co-host, Dermot OLeary.

When the pair took over the Friday slot in 2021, there were rumblings that their chemistry wasnt quite right - but few could argue, the pair are truly in their groove now.

Oh, we just ignored everybody, admits Alison of their debut as a duo. We were just having a nice time - still are!

Were genuinely good friends, and it shows - even though there were stories initially that we didnt get on. Truth is, we adore each other. Weve been to each others houses and our kids know each other As with any relationship on TV, viewers just needed to let us find ourselves, too.

Cat Deely and Ben Shephard, who host Monday to Thursday, she sees less of - but though theyve also come in for their fair share of criticism, believes theyre doing a cracking job.

Were like ships in the night, sadly. But when we do see each other, say filming a Christmas special, its so lovely.

We talk quite regularly. I direct-message Cat online, and shell always say, Captain, my captain to me, which is lovely!

One thing the Birmingham native is famed for, since shooting to fame post-Big Brother, is her way with celebrities - including hilarious off-the-cuff chats with Ryan Gosling and Hugh Jackman, her husband.

Is there anyone else on her secret wishlist? Oprah. Ive met her before, with Reese Witherspoon - but Id like to get Oprah on her own.

But shes done less A-lister interviews of late, and admits, she gets a lot more nervous at the prospect of them than ever before.

Maybe its an age thing. Im not even driving now, Im too nervous. But you know what? Im embracing it. Im so happy Ive lived all these years - I never thought Id live past 20.

Alluding to her widely-publicised weight struggles, she adds, Maybe its because I was a really big girl. At my biggest, I was nearly 30 stone. Thats dangerous.

In recent years, Alison has been on a huge health-kick, and is looking incredible for it - though she admits, her job at Bake Off makes it difficult to stay on track with easy access to sweet treats.

Im exercising, but look, Ive also been smashing that cake! My PTs been on the phone going, When am I going to be seeing you? Ill be back - very soon.

One of the most sought-after TV stars in Britain, Alison didnt even screen-test for the big Strictly hosting job, which went to Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Joannes Rabedes.

I was just too busy, that wasnt even an option, she tells us. Id have loved it. Dont get me wrong, I love Strictly. Ive done it before. But everything evolves, and Im so excited for Emma.

As for Josh, Alisons worked with the comedian before and says, I just know hes going to be really funny. I love that theyve gone with Josh. Lets change it up. Its going to be brilliant.

Elsewhere, Alison has partnered up with ethical beauty brand, Tropic, for her very own Alison Edit. And after years of skin issues and problems with extremely sensitive skin, she says she feels like shes struck gold.

Im a really simple person, me. I like stuff that feels nice on my skin. Before Big Brother, I never used anything, just a bit of Vaseline on my mouth. It was only after being thrown into the spotlight and working with makeup artists, did I realise I needed a proper skincare routine!

She was introduced to Tropic by a woman in her local hairdressers. Ive got such sensitive skin - if it hurts or stings, I wont use it. This stuff is incredible.

Alison admits, I feel like Im ageing backwards - my skins so much better now than as a younger woman! And you know what, ageing doesnt bother me. Its a privilege.

Ive never had Botox or fillers, either - but never say never. Im just loving all these women choosing to grow older gracefully right now - like Pamela Anderson, shes beautiful.

Alison was also drawn to the award-winning vegan brand after hearing the story of its inspiring founder, Susie Ma - who went from selling tubs of skin scrub at Greenwich Market to help her mum pay the bills, to creating a multi-million pound brand.

It reminded me of my own mum, Maria, smiles Alison, who she sadly lost to liver and lung cancer in 2020.

A single mother who worked multiple jobs to support Alison, the presenter has always said she was a lifelong inspiration. She was incredible. She sold tupperware, that was one of her things. I still find bits of it all over the house.

And Alison still misses her terribly. I can have a day where it just feels like shes just died. Its just so raw. It ebbs and flows. Thats what grief is.

But you know what? Mums always gonna be there. Ive dreamt about her twice since she died. Every time I was with her, it was absolutely beautiful.

It's the circle of life. One day Im going to leave, and hopefully my son will keep my name alive. Meanwhile, all I can do is focus on enjoying life - and I really am.

Alison Hammond has partnered with Tropic to embark on her own journey towards the healthiest skin of her life, embracing women to discover their own unique beauty rather than chasing perfection. Find out more at Tropic.com.

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