The atmosphere on This Morning took an awkward turn on Valentine’s Day week when Alison Hammond sat down for a themed interview with Chris Hemsworth, leaving many viewers at home cringing. The 51-year-old presenter met the 42-year-old Australian actor in a cinema specially arranged to resemble a romantic date setting. Complete with champagne and cupcakes, the set was designed to promote Hemsworth’s latest thriller, Crime 101, which revolves around a meticulously planned multimillion-dollar heist. However, instead of the film being the main focus of conversation afterward, much of the audience attention centered on Hammond’s behavior during the interview.

The segment aired as part of the ITV daytime show This Morning, which broadcasts on weekdays from 10 a.m. and is also available to stream on ITVX. In keeping with the Valentine’s theme, the pair were seated side by side in the dimly lit cinema, holding drinks as they discussed the movie. Hammond asked Hemsworth to explain why viewers should choose to watch Crime 101 on Valentine’s Day Eve. He responded enthusiastically, describing the film as gripping from the start and suggesting that once the momentum builds, audiences would find themselves on the edge of their seats, perhaps even holding onto their partners for comfort. He joked that a dark cinema filled with strangers and a loved one was the perfect setting for such an intense experience.

Hammond responded with a playful remark that immediately drew attention from viewers. Referring to their setting, she quipped that she was quite enjoying being in a dark room with him. While the comment appeared intended as lighthearted flirtation, many fans watching from home did not receive it well. Social media quickly filled with criticism, with several viewers describing the exchange as uncomfortable and labeling the interview a “cringe-fest.” Others accused Hammond of making the segment more about herself than about Hemsworth or his film.

Comments posted on Twitter/X reflected the growing dissatisfaction among some members of the audience. One viewer wrote that Hammond’s interviews were always the same, suggesting they were repetitive and overly focused on her personality. Another described the interaction as embarrassing and expressed sympathy for Hemsworth. Several posts criticized her for what they perceived as excessive laughter and for speaking loudly or “screaming” in the actor’s face during parts of the conversation. Some viewers even commented on how uncomfortable it might feel to be on the receiving end of her exuberant laugh at such close proximity.

The criticism did not end there. During the interview, Hemsworth himself referenced Hammond’s previous “date night” segment with fellow Australian actor Hugh Jackman. That earlier interview had featured a similar romantic setup, complete with flowers, cake, and champagne. Hemsworth joked that he had been disappointed to see Hammond take the lead in providing the romantic touches during her conversation with Jackman. As an Australian man, he teased, that was not how things were typically done. This time, he said, he wanted to show how it should be handled, taking responsibility for bringing the drinks and snacks himself in a humorous attempt to outdo his compatriot.

The playful rivalry between the two Australian stars added a humorous element to the segment, but it also led to another moment that raised eyebrows among viewers. Toward the end of the interview, Hammond once again mentioned Jackman, making a cheeky comment that he was “very big down under.” The remark, widely interpreted as a double entendre, appeared to catch Hemsworth slightly off guard, prompting an awkward laugh in response. For some viewers, this joke crossed a line and reinforced their impression that the interview had become overly suggestive and self-indulgent.

Although celebrity interviews on daytime television often include light banter and flirtation, the reaction to this particular segment suggests that not all viewers appreciated the tone. While some fans enjoy Hammond’s exuberant personality and comedic style, others felt that her behavior overshadowed the purpose of the interview, which was to promote Crime 101. The strong response on social media indicates that the segment sparked considerable debate among the show’s audience.

Despite the criticism, the interview succeeded in generating attention, both for the film and for This Morning itself. Whether viewers found the exchange amusing or uncomfortable, it undeniably became a talking point. As the show continues its regular weekday broadcasts, it remains clear that Alison Hammond’s distinctive interviewing style continues to divide opinion, particularly when paired with high-profile Hollywood guests like Chris Hemsworth.