How Alison Hammond went from Big Brother contestant to TV royalty

Alison Hammond has become a bonafide UK TV legend since first appearing on our screens 20 years ago, turning a stint in Big Brother into a life-changing career.

Earlier this year, after becoming the first ever Black woman in history to host the Baftas, Hammond was rubbing shoulders with Richard E Grant and famous faces who adore her for her cheeky demeanour and addictive laugh.

She has now joined the 14th series of The Great British Bake Off as a presenter, replacing Matt Lucas in the tent.

So how exactly did she get here? Here are Hammond's landmark moments that turned her into a household name.

Alison Hammond's incredible career in nine parts

2002 - This is Big Brother: Aged 27, Alison Hammond burst onto our screens on the third season of Big Brother, with Kate Lawler and Jade Goody as housemates.

She became known for her cheeky character – famously breaking a table while jumping on it – but was third eliminated.

2002 - Opportunity knocks: While she left the show quickly, soon opportunities came in for Hammond to present.

She joined This Morning as a roving reporter in 2002, made appearances on Loose Women, and signed up to celeb spin-offs of Stars In Your Eyes and Fit Club.

2005 - Welcome Aidan: In 2005, Hammond became a mum to her son, Aidan, with husband Noureddine Boufaied. Boufaied was a cab driver by trade, and they raised their son in Birmingham. She keeps her private life away from the public, but it's known the pair divorced in 2014.

2010 - In the jungle: As her presenting career remained strong and steady, Hammond got a boost when she joined I'm A Celebrity.

She was the fourth contestant to leave, with Stacey Solomon winning the show that year.

2014 - Starrrrt dancing!: Hammond joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 and was partnered with Aljaz Skorjanec for the competition. They lasted seven weeks before being eliminated, with Caroline Flack winning that year.

2017 - A viral sensation: Her ability to make Hollywood stars melt on This Morning made her a viral sensation. Most notably, she "married" Dwayne Johnson, and the now iconic interview with the stoic Harrison Ford, who burst into laughing fits promoting Blade Runner 2049.

2021 - Good morning, Alison: In a major TV show shake-up, Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary were confirmed to replace Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford as This Morning's Friday hosts permanently.

2021 - Gamechanger: Hammond's TV presenting skills were finally acknowledged at the 2021 National Television Awards by being nominated for best presenter.

She was the first Black host, and only sixth woman ever, to be acknowledged in the category. However, Ant and Dec won (...again).

2023 - Hollywood Hostess: The role of a lifetime, Hammond joined Richard E Grant with hosting duties at the Baftas. She became the first Black woman ever to land the role, and dazzled on the red carpet in a sparkling dress.

WATCH: Alison Hammond celebrates 20 years on This Morning