Alison Hammond's engagement hopes with toyboy boyfriend - 'On top of the world'

With a new series of The Great British Bake Off about to hit our screens and her love life in sparkling shape, Alison Hammond is said to be “on top of the world” right now. The This Morning presenter, 50, has been snapped looking delighted with boyfriend David Putman and a source says she is happier than ever – both personally and professionally.

“Alison is literally on top of the world at the moment – she just could not be happier,” said our source. “She’s been grinning from ear to ear recently and David is a huge reason for that.”

Masseur and model David, 28, is said to have been hugely supportive of Alison during a pressured time at ITV. With This Morning and other daytime shows facing big budget cuts at the channel, many presenters are said to have been worried about their future.

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There have been multiple other issues on the show too – including accusations of a toxic culture behind-the-scenes, and Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby’s high-profile departures.

“David has been her rock through everything at work,” said the source. “Alison wouldn’t have got through everything as easily if it hadn’t been for him. She can be vulnerable with him and he’s a brilliant listener – that’s something she really values.”

Alison, who has a son Aidan, 20, from a previous relationship, posted a snap to Instagram Stories last month of her and David cuddled up together with the caption, “Happy holidays to you all. Remember always choose love.”

The couple met after Alison booked a massage with David in 2023 and they went public in April last year. They then made their red carpet debut two months later, joined by Aidan, at a bash for Jamie Laing’s sweet brand Candy Kittens.

They have kept their romance mostly out of the spotlight, however, with Alison once saying, “I don’t like to go into detail about him because it’s my private life and I want to respect his life as well. But you know I’m loved-up – everyone knows that.”

She has defended their age gap, however, saying, “I can see how, on paper, you’d notice the age difference. But honestly, when we see the word ‘toyboy’ written about us, it bears no relation to what we have at all.”

Adding that they “fit like a jigsaw,” the presenter continued, “Yes, I’m 22 years older than he is, but if you saw us together, you’d understand. People have said to me, ‘We get it now.’ He’s so mature and sensible and I’m so not.”

In promotional pics for the 16th series of Bake Off, which starts on Channel 4 next Tuesday (2 September), Alison looks thrilled to be back in the role she loves – as confirmed by our source. “She can’t wait for Bake Off to come back – it’s one of her favourite jobs because it doesn’t have any of the drama that some of her other shows like This Morning get. She’s looking amazing too. She’s been working really hard with David’s support too and it’s paying off.”

Alison’s 13st weight loss over recent months has helped reverse a pre-diabetic diagnosis, but she says she has achieved it without any drastic diet, claiming her secret is a personal trainer and eating everything “in moderation”. Although she had a gastric band fitted in 2007, she had it removed three years later when her body rejected it.

Our source said another factor in her growing sense of contentment has been learning to put herself first after years of trying to please others. “She’s worked so hard since she first started in TV and work has always been her biggest priority after Aidan, but that’s changed now,” said the source. “She’s got a better balance. Her own needs and her love life are much more of a priority – and it shows.”

David has also been vital in that process, with the source stressing, “He’s very happy making his life revolve around her, which is lovely for Alison. He’s really shown up for her.”

With their romance going so well, speculation has inevitably arisen over their future plans – and possible marriage. “Of course, she’s now thinking about the next steps, which lots of people around them think will be an engagement,” said the source. “She knows what she’s got in David and can’t imagine her life without him now.”

When Bake Off returns next week, another group of hopeful bakers will be vying to be crowned winner, with Alison lining up alongside co-presenter Noel Fielding and judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.

Alison resumes her presenting role on This Morning the same week, having told co-host Dermot O’Leary in July, “You know what? I’m going to have a little holiday. I’m going to do some housework. It’s going to be great – and I’m going to be watching you on the telly.”

In July, she was also on our screens in Celebrity Gogglebox with Aidan. Revealing how her son was fully behind her relationship with David, earlier this year, Alison said, “When they actually met, he really liked him. He really thought he was lovely, so that’s nice. Thank goodness for that! Because normally Aidan hates anybody I date, literally just not interested.”

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