Alison Hammond's first major presenting vehicle for BBC1, Big Weekender, has been cancelled by the broadcaster after just one series.
What Was Big Weekender About?
The six-part programme, which aired last year, featured the popular Birmingham-born presenter spending weekends with a roster of famous faces to gain a deeper understanding of their lives and careers. Celebrity guests included Spice Girl Mel B, comedian Jimmy Carr, actor Luke Evans, Sir Lenny Henry, boxer Tony Bellew, and Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards.
During the episodes, viewers saw intimate conversations where Jimmy Carr discussed his cosmetic surgery, Luke Evans reflected on his childhood as a Jehovah's Witness, and Perrie Edwards opened up about her struggles with anxiety.
BBC Confirms No Second Series
Despite the star-studded line-up, the show failed to make a significant ratings impact and will not be returning. A BBC spokesperson stated to The Sun: "We are proud of the series and loved working with Alison. Whilst there are currently no plans for any new episodes we are looking forward to working with her again in the future."
This decision marks a setback for Hammond's flagship BBC1 ambitions, though she remains a hugely in-demand presenter across British television.
What's Next for Alison Hammond?
The cancellation news comes shortly after it was announced that Hammond has landed a high-profile new role with streaming giant Netflix. She is set to host the official Bridgerton podcast, launching ahead of the show's fourth series premiere at the end of January 2026.
In the podcast, Alison will interview cast and crew, including the new season's romantic leads, Luke Thompson (Benedict Bridgerton) and Yerin Ha (Sophie Baek). The interviews will be available on Netflix, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
Beyond this new venture, Hammond continues her regular presenting duties on ITV's This Morning and Channel 4's The Great British Bake Off, alongside Noel Fielding. She also took over hosting ITV's For The Love Of Dogs in 2024 following the death of Paul O'Grady.
Whether Big Weekender could be revived in another format remains uncertain, but Alison Hammond's schedule shows no signs of slowing down.
