Alison Hammond’s BBC show has been silently dropped (Image: Dave Benett, Dave Benett/Getty Images for #Merky)
Alison Hammond’s debut major BBC One programme, Big Weekend, has been axed by the corporation. The format featured Alison spending weekends with famous faces, including Spice Girl Mel B and actor Luke Evans, to explore their lives and professional journeys.
The six-episode run broadcast last year on BBC One, with instalments featuring Little Mix’s Perrie Edwards discussing anxiety, Jimmy Carr revealing details about his cosmetic procedures, Luke Evans reflecting on growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness, Mel B sharing insights into her Spice Girls experience, Sir Lenny Henry exploring his formative years, and Tony Bellew showing Alison around Liverpool.
Despite this, the programme didn’t capture significant viewer attention and won’t be returning for a second run. A BBC representative has explained that whilst they felt “proud” of what was achieved, there are no future plans for the series.
“We are proud of the series and loved working with Alison Hammond but there are currently no plans for any new episodes”, they confirmed.
The presenter, who initially rose to prominence through Big Brother, fronts numerous television programmes, including Channel 4’s The Great British Bake Off. She assumed co-presenting duties on the show with Noel Fielding in 2023, after Matt Lucas stepped down, reports the Mirror.
She has also taken the reins of For The Love Of Dogs on ITV, stepping in after Paul O’Grady’s passing and joining the show in 2024. Alison has previously fronted a series on BBC2 titled Florida Unpacked, where she and her son Aidan, who joined her on Celebrity Gogglebox, embarked on a family adventure to the Sunshine State. It remains uncertain whether the series will make a comeback.
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The announcement about Big Weekend follows hot on the heels of Alison securing an exciting new role with Netflix.
The television personality is set to delve into the world of podcasts as the host of Netflix’s Bridgerton podcast, which is slated for release ahead of the fourth series premiere at the end of the month.
In the podcast, Alison will engage in conversations with the cast and crew, including this season’s romantic leads Luke Thompson, who portrays Benedict Bridgerton, and Yerin Ha, who plays Sophie Baek, the ward and illegitimate daughter of an earl forced into servitude following his demise.
While further guests remain a closely guarded secret, fans can anticipate Alison delving into the series’ latest heart-fluttering romance and other scandalous happenings in the ton this year.
Although the interviews will be accessible in video format on Netflix and YouTube, fans preferring to listen on the move can tune in via Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
In addition to a podcast, viewers will have the opportunity to live-stream the premiere, taking place in Paris on January 14. They can also participate in fan events happening in over 20 countries, including the UK, Australia, Brazil and Spain, and explore collaborations with leading brands like Dove, Pandora, COTY, Liberty of London and more.
