Alison Hammond Opens Up About Dating Her 28-Year-Old Boyfriend, Says the Age Gap Doesn’t Matter

Alison Hammond has spoken candidly about the public scrutiny surrounding her relationship with boyfriend David Puttnam, who is 22 years her junior. The beloved British television presenter said their age difference is nobody else’s concern and confirmed that the couple has no plans to marry, as they are perfectly happy with the relationship they have.

At 51, Alison is dating 28-year-old David Puttnam, a Russian model and massage therapist. The couple are believed to have started dating in 2023 and have attracted significant media attention ever since. Their romance has frequently sparked debate because of their considerable age gap, with David often being labeled a “toyboy”—a term commonly used to describe younger men who date older women.

In a recent interview, Alison explained that what makes her relationship special has nothing to do with public opinion but everything to do with the way they treat each other every day. She said, “I’ve got a lovely man in my life. It’s just easy. I think that’s when you know you’ve got something special. He just sees me for who I am. We choose each other, every day.”

When asked about the couple’s 22-year age difference, Alison did not shy away from the question. She replied, “It’s nothing to do with anyone else. Yeah, people are going to talk. People do. But that’s their business, not mine.”

The television personality also dismissed the idea of getting married anytime soon. Asked whether wedding bells were in their future, Alison responded simply, “I don’t think there will be a wedding. We don’t need to! We’re both cool.”

Her latest remarks once again demonstrate Alison’s calm approach to public criticism rather than engaging in confrontation. Although she rarely discusses her private life in detail, she has consistently spoken warmly about David whenever their relationship comes up. She has even hinted that the happiness she has found in love is one of the reasons behind her recent radiant appearance.

Beyond her personal life, Alison has also drawn widespread attention for her years-long health transformation. At her heaviest, she weighed around 30 stone (approximately 190 kilograms). After learning that she was pre-diabetic, the presenter decided to completely overhaul her lifestyle in order to protect her long-term health.

According to Alison, the biggest turning point was not simply exercising more, but changing her mindset toward food. She explained, “I’ve had a personal trainer for five years, even when I was at my biggest. But I had a childish mentality with regards to food, especially toffees—but now I’ll only have a couple a day.”

She added, “We’re not getting any younger, are we, babes? You realise at some point you’ve got to look after yourself.” That realization has motivated her to maintain a consistent workout routine, prioritize quality sleep, and adopt healthier daily habits.

Alison has previously revealed that discovering she was pre-diabetic came as a frightening wake-up call, particularly because her mother had Type 2 diabetes. She has said that the diagnosis pushed her to eliminate sugary treats and fatty foods in an effort to improve her health for the future.

To maintain her weight loss, Alison now combines several forms of exercise, including boxing, circuit training, and Reformer Pilates. She admits she once felt “as stiff as a board,” but says Pilates has significantly improved her flexibility. She also sticks to an early-morning workout schedule, often completing hour-long gym sessions before most people begin their day.

Although she is open to trying various wellness trends, Alison revealed there is one practice she has no intention of embracing: ice baths. Joking about her experience, she said she lasted only about a minute before wondering why she was “literally trying to kill” herself. She has also previously stated that she has no interest in using weight-loss injections, preferring instead to rely on lifestyle changes through diet and exercise.

Alison Hammond has become one of Britain’s most recognizable television personalities. She first captured public attention after appearing on the reality series Big Brother in 2002. Although she did not win the competition, her humor, warmth, and natural charisma quickly opened the door to a successful broadcasting career.

Following Big Brother, Alison joined This Morning as an entertainment reporter before eventually becoming one of ITV’s most beloved presenters. Her relaxed interviewing style and genuine warmth have helped her build memorable conversations with international stars including Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, Dwayne Johnson, Tom Cruise, and Hugh Jackman.

One of Alison’s greatest strengths as a presenter is her ability to turn routine promotional interviews into genuinely entertaining conversations. Many of her celebrity interviews have gone viral on social media thanks to her infectious personality, quick wit, and ability to put guests at ease.

Away from television, Alison is the mother of a son, Aidan. She has often spoken about how her son remains her top priority and serves as her greatest motivation for maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Despite having experienced failed relationships in the past, she generally keeps her private life away from the spotlight, choosing instead to protect her family’s privacy.

Professionally, Alison is regarded as one of the UK’s most influential television hosts. In addition to This Morning, she has fronted numerous entertainment programs, appeared in television competitions, and participated in major commercial campaigns. Her authenticity and approachable personality have earned her a loyal fan base throughout more than two decades in the entertainment industry.

Like many public figures, Alison has faced criticism over the years regarding her weight, appearance, and personal life. Rather than responding with anger, however, she has consistently chosen to focus on her work and the things that genuinely bring her happiness—a mindset that has won her admiration from many viewers.

For Alison Hammond, her relationship with David Puttnam is not defined by age or by the prospect of marriage. Instead, what matters most to her is mutual understanding and making the conscious choice to stand by each other every single day. More than two years into their relationship, the couple continue to keep their romance relatively private, while Alison remains firm in her belief that her happiness does not need to conform to anyone else’s expectations.