This Morning’s Alison Hammond apologises after another Andrew blunder

The former Big Brother star was sat on the couch alongside her co-host, Dermot O’Leary, to talk about the updates surrounding Andrew’s arrest on Thursday

Alison Hammond was forced to apologise after making another blunder on This Morning while discussing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest. The former Big Brother star was sat on the couch alongside her co-host, Dermot O’Leary, to talk about the updates surrounding Andrew’s arrest.

Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest on Thursday following allegations made against the former prince after the release of millions of pages of files related to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew was later released under investigation.

On Friday’s show, the conversation turned to the late Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was trafficked by convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein to have sex with Andrew when she was underage. Andrew has always denied the allegations.

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On Friday’s show, the conversation turned to the late Virginia Giuffre(Image: ITV)

When the topic came up, Alison mispronounced Virginia’s surname, calling her Virginia ‘Guff’. Viewers were quick to pick up on the mistake, which came just one day after Alison was called out for questioning why Andrew was arrested on his birthday.

One wrote:”’Virginia Guff?? #ThisMorning”. Another said: “Alison calling Virginia Giuffre Virginia Guff. Honestly appalling presenter #ThisMorning.” A third wrote: “I like Alison but when it comes to serious topics she’s completely out of her depth #thismorning.”

Alison was quick to correct herself and apologised to viewers. She said: “Sorry, it is Virginia Giuffre, I do apologise.”

Alison was previously called out over a “weird” comment she made live on air about Andrew’s arrest on Thursday’s show. The presenter was in her usual slot alongside Dermot when the news broke that the disgraced former royal had been arrested at his temporary home on the Sandringham estate on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Alison seemed to be most taken with the fact that today is Andrew’s 66th birthday. She said: “They could’ve done it yesterday, the day before his birthday!”

Almost immediately, viewers of the ITV show took to social media to question her odd take on the matter. One said: “Alison saying ‘surely they didn’t have to arrest him on his birthday’. What a weird comment about an ‘alleged’ predator.”

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Virginia Guiffre alleges she was made to sleep with the Duke on three separate occasions when she was 17(Image: BBC)

Andrew, who has been stripped of his titles, was taken into police custody, with photos showing unmarked police cars and plain-clothed officers appearing to gather outside his home. The BBC said laptops, phones and communication devices could be seized from the Royal residences as part of the investigation.

Sean Coughlan, their royal correspondent, added: “This is another extraordinary development in what has been an extraordinary story. It’s hard to think of any precedent for the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the King’s brother. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing, but this still has the capacity to shock and surprise as breaking news.”

Thames Valley Police previously said the force was reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Andrew, and claims he shared sensitive information with the paedophile while serving as the UK’s trade envoy. Andrew has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing.

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.

“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

Andrew was kicked out of the Royal Lodge in Windsor earlier this month, moving to the King’s Norfolk estate in the middle of the night to avoid attracting attention. He is believed to be staying in Wood Farm Cottage while Marsh Farm, believed to be his more permanent lodgings, are still undergoing much needed renovations.

Within days of Andrew’s arrival, locals made clear their feelings about the disgraced royal moving into the area. He was said to be “appalled” that his “cramped” new residence has just five bedrooms, with a source recently telling the Daily Mail: “He really didn’t want Marsh Farm… He won’t have lived anywhere that small since he left his apartment at Buckingham Palace.”