Alison Hammond is finding support in her pal Holly Willoughby following her split from Ben Hawkins.
The new Great British Bake Off presenter reportedly split from her long term boyfriend, and seemingly confirmed it on This Morning in recent weeks. Alison, 48, stated she was single during a chat with co-host Dermot O'Leary as they discussed the middle-aged Love Island show Romance Retreat.
Alison is reportedly "heartbroken" by her split from Ben as she was forced to deny speculation the pair were engaged earlier this year. The mother-of-one is leaning on her pal and co-star Holly for support during this tough time, writes the Mirror.
A source told Closer magazine: "Alison is very good at putting on a brave face, but she really has been heartbroken by this agonising break-up." They said she has wanted to "hide under the covers" at times but has been motivated by work.
The source said: "She's (Holly) been helping to lift Alison's spirits by not only being there for her to talk to and a shoulder to lean on, but by instilling her with confidence and helping her focus on how many positive things she has in her life."
They added that although the pair have "never been best friends" Alison "has been touched" by Holly's support as she sends her daily texts which have been "therapeutic" for her.
Holly has invited Alison round to her home for wine nights, as well as phone calls where they discuss the split on the phone.
Alison's relationship status made headlines last week as she told Dermot, 49, that she was single. The TV personality also revealed she was wearing a "single ring" increasing speculation she split from her long-term boyfriend who she previously described as her 'someone special'.
She said: "More people are wanting to meet people out and about and having a green ring might be a good idea so that people know that you're single. As you can see, I've got my single ring on."
The speculation comes following reports last month that Alison and Ben had got engaged. She later addressed such speculation, saying it was "fake news" and that she would be the first to announce it if she was engaged.
Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here.
READ NEXT:
- ITV This Morning's Alison Hammond has viewers in stitches after X-rated remark
- ITV This Morning's Alison Hammond looking 'incredible' as she shares snap on Instagram
- BAFTA host Alison Hammond's net worth, incredible weight loss, love life, and Birmingham home
- The Great British Bake Off to 'go back to basics' after series of complaints
- Celebrity Bake Off 2023 full line-up from David Schwimmer to Jesy Nelson
