Queen of Prime Time: Alison Hammond Takes Over Classic BBC Show
Olivia Bennett, 2/24/2025Alison Hammond is set to host the revival of the chaotic game show "Hole in the Wall" on BBC, showcasing her talent for turning any gig into television gold. This exciting move cements her status as a leading figure in British entertainment, promising pure fun for viewers.
In a deliciously nostalgic twist that's set to shake up British television, the BBC is diving back into its archive — quite literally — by reviving the gloriously chaotic game show "Hole in the Wall," with the effervescent Alison Hammond stepping into the presenter's spotlight.
The bombshell announcement marks yet another jewel in Hammond's increasingly glittering crown, as the beloved presenter continues her remarkable ascension through television's elite ranks. Sources close to the production revealed to The Sun that "they wanted to sign Alison and she jumped at the chance to do it" — hardly surprising for a woman who's made an art form out of turning every hosting gig into television gold.
The show — a delightfully bonkers format that sees celebrities squeezed into unforgiving lycra as they attempt to contort themselves through moving wall cut-outs or face a watery fate — originally graced British screens from 2008 to 2009. First hosted by the legendary Dale Winton, and later by Strictly Come Dancing's Anton Du Beke, the program delivered what one insider described as "great ratings when it first came out."
Hammond's appointment to the hosting role feels like a masterstroke of casting that perfectly aligns with her meteoric rise. The 50-year-old presenter — who first captured hearts with her infectious laugh and unabashed enthusiasm on This Morning — has become television's most sought-after host. "They are over the moon that they've signed her," the source gushed, and honestly, darlings, who can blame them?
The timing couldn't be more perfect for Hammond, who's been collecting prime-time hosting gigs like Carrie Bradshaw collects Manolos. From her triumphant takeover of The Great British Bake Off — where she replaced Matt Lucas alongside the whimsical Noel Fielding — to her continued reign on This Morning with Dermot O'Leary, Hammond has proven herself to be that rarest of television creatures: a genuine crowd-pleaser who can turn even the most mundane moment into must-watch TV.
But what makes this particular career move so fascinating is how it positions Hammond as the queen of cross-channel programming. While maintaining her ITV commitments — including her heartwarming work on For The Love of Dogs — she's simultaneously strengthening her BBC presence. It's a power play that would make a Hollywood agent weep with joy.
The BBC is currently filming the pilot, with expectations of a full series later this year. For viewers who remember the original's gleeful chaos — celebrities desperately attempting to match their bodies to increasingly impossible shapes while trying to maintain their dignity in soaking lycra — Hammond's natural wit and warmth promise to elevate the format to new heights.
"Alison adores her job and is always on the lookout for shows where she can have a real laugh," shared an insider, perfectly encapsulating why she's become television's most in-demand star. It's this genuine joy for her craft that has transformed Hammond from a beloved personality into a broadcasting powerhouse — one who can seamlessly transition from sophisticated baking critiques to, well, watching celebrities get dunked in pools of water.
As British television continues its love affair with reimagined classics, Hammond's selection as host suggests the BBC is aiming for more than just nostalgia — they're betting on creating moments of pure, unadulterated entertainment. And if anyone can make a hole in a wall feel like must-see TV, it's Alison Hammond.
