Alison Hammond breaks down in tears as she celebrates her 20th anniversary this morning

Alison Hammond was in tears on Monday as her This Morning colleagues surprised her with a huge celebration to mark her 20th anniversary on the show.

The 47-year-old presenter, who first rose to fame in the Big Brother house in 2022, said she was “overwhelmed” as she marked the best day of her life.

Hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby were there as they sent Alison to their hometown of Birmingham to allegedly meet a Dosh on the Doorstep contest winner who shared her name.

Milestone: Alison Hammond was in tears on Monday as her colleagues from This Morning surprised her with a big celebration of her 20th anniversary on the show

Via video link to her co-star, Holly said, “This is going to be extra good today because not only does she have the same name as you, but isn’t she in your hometown too?”

Then the feed to Alison’s earbuds was interrupted and Holly explained that she thought they had a “technical issue” while the duo told viewers what was really going on.

“We made it all up because the person we’re surprising today is actually Alison herself as she’s been on This Morning for an incredible and wonderful 20 years,” smiled Phil, while Holly added, “We have a whole morning for surprises prepared. ‘

Flashback: Alison came into the Big Brother house as a roommate in 2002

The legendary presenter had the shock of her life when she knocked on the door and it was opened by friend and fellow This Morning star Josie Gibson and friend Kate Lawler.

“Usually you do the surprising, today the surprise is up to you! Happy 20th Anniversary This Morning! Happy birthday, Alison Hammond,’ Kate called.

Alison was then whisked away to the Midlands Arts Center where a special Best Bits compilation of This Is Your Life was played with friends and family in the audience.

Surprise! Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby sent Alison to their hometown of Birmingham to ostensibly meet a Dosh on the Doorstep contest winner who bears her name

Alison gasped, “How did you do that? This is the best day of my life!’

Holly and Phillip led the tributes from the studio with poignant video messages from the likes of Dermot O’Leary, Rylan Clark, Strictly Come Dancing star Aljaz Škorjanec, Rick Astley, former Big Brother host Davina McCall and even Alison’s teenage son Aiden.

At the end of the presentation, an emotional Alison said: “Thank you this morning for giving me the opportunity firstly, I’m really blown away by it to be honest with you.

TV friends: The legendary presenter had the shock of her life when she knocked on the door and it was opened by friend and fellow This Morning star Josie Gibson and friend Kate Lawler

Tribute: There were poignant video messages from the likes of Alison’s teenage son, Aiden

“I had the best 20 years. Every day was the best and thanks to the viewers for watching. All I ever want to do is make you guys happy.”

Holly said: “Alison, that’s what you do. You always make everyone so happy. Whoever is around you – you are so contagious with your spirit and joy. We love you.’

Phillip said: “She is without a doubt one of the best friends anyone can have. She is an amazing person.’

‘Amazing Years’: Alison was whisked away to the Midlands Arts Center where a special ‘This Is Your Lifestyle Best Bits’ compilation was being played with friends and family in the audience (pictured with co-host Josie Gibson)