This Morning's Alison Hammond is reportedly being blackmailed by someone who she once believed to be her friend, a source has claimed.
Her alleged blackmailer has said he would 'tell lies' which would 'end her career' unless Alison hands over thousands, according to the source. As reported by the Mirror, the presenter was said to have purchased a BMW car worth around £5000 as part of the demands made to the 48-year-old.
Sources claim that Alison met with officers from West Midlands Police on Tuesday and showed them a variety of messages from a man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons.
Speaking to The Sun, a source close to Alison alleges that her blackmailer had vowed to "ruin" her career and had planned to make up false stories about her.
According to this source, Alison is believed to have said: "I trusted this guy who, it turns out, was only interested in my money. I thought he valued our friendship. I now know he only wanted me to fund his life of luxury."
An insider also claims that she "wanted to help him" and had offered to pay for his rehab treatment to help kick his issues with drugs but he is said to have taken advantage of her.
The source went on to claim Alison said: "Out of the blue he said he could tell lies to make people think less of me, it was alarming."
Alison has continued to appear on television during the alleged ordeal, although the star is said to be worried about the repercussions of reporting the male to West Midlands Police.
It comes after it was revealed last week that Alison was replacing Matt Lucas on The Great British Bake Off. She will be the first non-white judge or host since the show started 15 years ago.
One source told The Mirror: "Alison is a great choice. She will bring warmth and humour to the tent in spades. We're laughing just thinking about it."
Her selection for the plum role comes after Alison, 48, appeared on a 2020 celebrity version for Stand Up 2 Cancer.
Going up against James Blunt, Alex Jones and Joe Sugg, she said: "I do think that good food and good baking comes from the heart - and I've got a lot of heart."
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police told the Mirror today: "We are investigating an allegation of blackmail of a woman in her 40s. We take reports of this kind very seriously and our enquiries are progressing swiftly."
Alison and her representatives have been approached for comment by the Mirror.
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