TV icon Alison Hammond: 'My biggest regret? Not swiping right on Idris Elba'

This Morning and Great British Bake Off star Alison Hammond takes on Big Issue’s Big Questions – covering RoboCop, Dua Lipa and The Rock’s chunky arms.

What TV show was the biggest one in your household growing up?

Oh, it was an event! We’re talking Saturday night telly with the family huddled around watching The Generation Game – Bruce Forsyth at his best, dodgy prizes and people making a right mess of challenges. Absolute gold! 

What big film has stayed with you? 

Listen, The Sound of Music was basically my childhood soundtrack. I wanted to twirl around in a field like Maria and belt out Do-Re-Mi. And then, years later, RoboCop came in [right] and shook things up, so from nuns to crime-fighting cyborgs, my film taste was diverse. 

What music was big for you when you were young? 

UB40, darling! That reggae beat just hit different. I could listen to “Red Red Wine” on repeat, though at that age, I didn’t fully appreciate the heartbreak behind it. I just thought it was a good vibe. 

What contemporary artist are you a big fan of? 

Gotta give it to Dua Lipa [left], she’s got the swagger, the tunes, the moves. And let’s be real, if I ever got the call to join her on stage for “Physical”, I’d be there in a flash. 

What was the big political issue you remember from your youth?

The miners’ strike in the 80s was huge even if you were a kid, you could feel the tension in the air. It made me realise how important it is to stand up for what’s right, it’s something I’ve carried with me ever since. 

Who has been the biggest influence on your career? 

Without a doubt, my mum. She taught me to laugh loud, love big and always be myself. And look where that’s got me This Morning, Bake Off, three books, working with Maybelline and YOU reading this right now. 

Have any big names made you starstruck? 

Oh, The Rock. Dwayne Johnson [right]. That man is pure charisma and has arms the size of tree trunks. I tried to play it cool, but inside, I was screaming. 

What was the moment where it felt you’d hit the big time? 

Honestly? Big Brother. The second people started yelling “Come on, Alison!” from outside the Big Brother house, I knew life would never be the same again. 

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What do you see as being your biggest success? And failure…? 

Success? Being unapologetically me. Failure? Probably every attempt I’ve ever made at dieting. But hey, life’s too short to say no to cake! 

Biggest regret? 

Not swiping right on Idris Elba [left] when I had the chance (kidding… or am I?).

What is your current big issue? 

Diversity in TV. We need more voices, more stories, more people from different backgrounds getting their shine. The industry is waking up, but there’s still work to do. 

What is your big idea to save the world? 

Get everyone to spend just one day a week doing something kind for someone else. Imagine if every person did that? The ripple effect would be mega! 

Is there a person or organisation creating positive change you want to give a big shout-out to? 

Yes! Marcus Rashford. That lad isn’t just scoring goals he’s changing lives with his food poverty campaigns. Absolute legend. 

Biggest dream in younger days or now? Have you achieved it? If not, how do you plan to do so? 

Always wanted to be a Hollywood actress. Have I done it yet? No. But give me a call, Marvel, I’m ready for my close-up! 

What does Big Issue mean to you? 

Met a vendor once who told me selling Big Issue helped him get his confidence back and turn his life around. That stuck with me because everyone deserves a second chance.

Catch Alison as team captain in Rob Beckett’s Smart TV on Sky Max and streaming service NOW weekly and her brand-new podcast Smart TV with Alison Hammond on Sky TV’s YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

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