Great British Bake Off make-up artists were forced to perform "full-on surgery" after a severe hay fever flare-up left Alison Hammond struggling during filming.
Great British Bake Off workers were forced to perform "full-on surgery" after presenter Alison Hammond suffered a severe hay fever flare-up on set.
During a particularly sunny day of filming, Alison's pollen-induced symptoms became so intense that the make-up team had to begin preparations extra early.
According to a report, staff said they had to perform "full-on surgery" to ensure she remained camera-ready. Telegraph reporter Boudicca Fox-Leonard went behind the scenes inside the famous tent ahead of the show's 16th season and revealed the 50-year-old's solution for her bout of hay fever.
She said: "Poor Hammond has full-blown hay fever that the make-up department have endeavoured to conceal. She's on the hunt for some local honey to see if that helps her acclimatise to the pollen count."
The TV star has become a firm favourite with viewers since joining the Channel 4 show in 2023 as Matt Lucas's replacement. The This Morning host presents the show alongside Noel Fielding and continues to feature judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.
This isn't the first time Alison has been struck down by her allergies. In May, the star revealed that she would not be presenting an episode of This Morning on ITV alongside Dermot O'Leary -- just hours before she was due to appear on air.
Posting to her Instagram Stories, she added a breaking news banner across the bottom of the post as she appeared without make-up, with her hair slicked back and held in place by a fabric headband.
The star explained: "Good morning, everybody. I've put a filter on this because I look so rough." Sounding congested, the 50-year-old continued: "I've had the worst hay fever for the last 2-3 days. It's hit me like a bus.
"So, I'm just letting you know that I'm not going to be making This Morning today but the lovely Lisa Snowdon is going to be stepping into my shoes and looking after my lovely Dermot."
She continued by reassuring fans that she won't be away for too long, adding: "I'll be back next week. I'm fine but I've got lots of drugs. I've got all the hay fever stuff. I've got the nose stuff. I've got the eye situation. I'm all over it."
While Hammond hopes honey might help, NHS guidance suggests more effective methods for managing hay fever. Health experts advise limiting exposure to pollen by keeping windows closed during the day, avoiding mowing the lawn, and washing hair before bed to remove pollen particles. Over-the-counter treatments such as antihistamines and nasal sprays can also be helpful, but the NHS recommends starting them early in the season to maximise their effectiveness.
Specialists also stress that home remedies like eating local honey have no scientific basis and are unlikely to ease symptoms. Those struggling despite medication should speak to a GP, as severe cases may require referral for immunotherapy.