I was duped and lost a fortune like Alison Hammond – it’s sad she was scared into it by lies, says Celebs Go Dating star
A CELEBS Go Dating star who was duped and lost a fortune like Alison Hammond has spoken out about the TV host’s ordeal.
Cecilie Fjellhøy was the victim of The Tinder Swindler fraudster Simon Leviev who scammed her out of £185,000 in the 13 weeks after their first date.
The Sun told how Alison handed over thousands of pounds to a so-called friend who was threatening to “ruin” her.
The blackmailer said he’d tell damaging lies to end her career if she failed to lavish money on him.
She even bought him a £5,000 BMW as his demands increased during an eight-month ordeal before finally going to the police.
Cecilie – who founded an organisation which supports victims of fraud called the action:reaction foundation – told The Sun it’s sad the This Morning host was scared into it by lies.
“It’s horrible, poor thing,” the 34-year-old said.
“I think it just shows how manipulative these people can be and how well they can play on people’s trust and kindness before how awful it can turn.
“I’m so happy she was strong enough in the end to go to the police.
“But I’m just sad that she was so scared that even fake information could get her blackmailed.
“It shows the power of social media and what they’re scared of.”
West Midlands Police arrested a suspect over alleged blackmail threats to Alison and was released on bail yesterday.
The 36-year-old man, who can’t be named for legal reasons, spent 24 hours in custody.
Police said they were taking the TV star’s allegations “very seriously” and the probe was “progressing swiftly”.
New Bake Off host Alison showed officers the sickening blackmail messages this week after summoning the courage to report him.
The 48-year-old This Morning host told a friend: “I’ve been so naive and feel so stupid.”
Pals say new Bake Off co-host Alison is scared for her and her family’s safety after “turning off the tap” of cash to report him.
Alison was at her wits’ end after agreeing to his demands. Despite the man’s issues with drugs, they forged an unlikely friendship.
Alison tried to break off the friendship multiple times but he always wheedled his way back into her life.
The threats and exploitation Alison was subjected to reached a crescendo last week.
She told a colleague: “He sent me a message stating that if I didn’t give him £3,500 he would ruin me.
Despite this, Alison has bravely continued to star on This Morning with millions of viewers oblivious to her real-life heartbreak.
Yesterday Alison hid her anguish from viewers as she co-hosted This Morning with Dermot O’Leary.
She recently signed to replace Matt Lucas as co-host of Channel 4’s The Great British Bake Off — and has been snapped up for Sky quiz In Demand.
Brummie Alison shares a teenage son Aiden with her ex-husband Noureddine Boufaied.
A former holiday rep, she has seen her TV career go from strength to strength since appearing as a contestant on the third series of Big Brother in 2002.