Radio presenter and reality television star Kate Lawler used her platform at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards 2026 at Camden Roundhouse to defend her longtime friend Alison Hammond. Lawler also addressed broader social issues, including comments regarding the transgender community following discussions on reality television.
The appearance followed a frightening health scare for Hammond, 51. The This Morning presenter was rushed away from the set by co-host Dermot O’Leary after experiencing severe chest pains. Hammond later confirmed she suffered a panic attack that she initially feared was a heart attack, prompting her to take a temporary break from the spotlight for her mental health.
Despite her absence at the awards ceremony, Hammond was honored with the Honorary Gay Award in recognition of her close ties to the LGBTQ+ community. Lawler stepped in to accept the accolade on her behalf and launched a strong critique of media personality Katie Hopkins, who had publicly mocked Hammond’s medical incident.
“Having that moment happen so publicly was incredibly difficult,” Lawler told the audience of approximately 700 guests. She explicitly condemned Hopkins for fatphobic remarks made in response to the panic attack, labeling the right-wing commentator a “bigot” to widespread applause and approval from the crowd.
Lawler noted that she had spoken with Hammond following the ordeal, reiterating how terrifying the experience was for the presenter. Hammond herself later responded with characteristic humor and grace online, thanking supporters and acknowledging the frightening nature of the incident.
Beyond defending her former Big Brother co-star, Lawler used her time at the Attitude Awards to address controversial remarks regarding the transgender community that surfaced on the recent series of Big Brother: The Group Chat. Specifically, Lawler addressed comments made by housemate Rochelle regarding public restrooms and gender identity.
“My best friend is trans,” Lawler stated during the event. She highlighted the historical difficulties faced by transgender individuals accessing public facilities prior to the widespread availability of gender-neutral options. Lawler urged viewers and housemates to consider the safety and dignity of trans people navigating public spaces, while also praising housemate Twinks for advocating for the trans community on screen.
The enduring friendship between Lawler and Hammond dates back to their time competing on the third series of Big Brother in 2002. Lawler previously revealed that she persuaded Hammond not to quit broadcasting early in her career when Hammond considered returning to her former job as a cinema usherette in Birmingham. Instead, Hammond heeded the advice, launching a prominent television career that includes mainstays like This Morning, The Great British Bake Off, and numerous other broadcasting projects.
Key Takeaways from Kate Lawler’s Attitude Awards Speech
- Support for Alison Hammond: Lawler stepped in at the Camden Roundhouse to accept Hammond’s Honorary Gay Award.
- Direct Condemnation: Lawler publicly rebuked Katie Hopkins for mocking Hammond’s recent panic attack.
- Advocacy for Trans Rights: Lawler addressed comments made on Big Brother regarding gender identity and public restroom access, drawing on her personal experience with close friends.
- Decades-Long Friendship: The bond between Lawler and Hammond originated during the 2002 series of Big Brother.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Alison Hammond miss the Attitude Awards 2026?
Alison Hammond was absent because she is taking a brief break from the spotlight to focus on her mental health following a recent panic attack on the set of This Morning.
What did Kate Lawler say about Katie Hopkins?
During her acceptance speech at the Attitude Awards, Kate Lawler criticized Katie Hopkins for mocking Hammond’s medical scare, branding her a “bigot” in front of the audience.
What did Kate Lawler say regarding the trans community?
Lawler addressed recent debate on Big Brother concerning transgender people and public bathrooms, sharing that her best friend is trans and emphasizing the challenges individuals face when accessing public facilities.
How long have Kate Lawler and Alison Hammond been friends?
The two presenters have been close friends since competing together on the third series of the reality show Big Brother in 2002.
