THE police investigation into a man alleged to have blackmailed TV host Alison Hammond has been dropped.
It was claimed the This Morning and Bake Off star was told to hand over thousands or her blackmailer, who could not be named at the time, would tell damaging lies to end her career.
But The Sun can now reveal the accused was Alison’s ex Ben Hawkins, a former crack cocaine addict.
Alison, 49, told pals he had threatened: “I’ll Ruin You.”
Ben, who dated Alison for ten months from May 2022, always denied the allegation.
And last night it emerged West Midlands Police has dropped the case because of a lack of evidence.
I already had anxiety and depression, but this whole thing has made it worse
Alison's ex Ben
Jobless Ben, 38, said: “It’s been a nightmare. I was arrested and spent a night in custody and I have been under suspicion for 18-months.
“The police took my passport, they closed my bank account and took some of my possessions.
“I already had anxiety and depression, but this whole thing has made it worse.
“I’ve experienced some very dark, suicidal thoughts but have managed to get through it with the help of my parents.
“I’m just trying to get my life back on track.”
He added: “The whole process dragged on, I was on police bail for nine months and it took 18 months for them to drop the case.”
West Midlands Police said yesterday: “We carried out a thorough investigation and submitted files to the Crown Prosecution Service for assessment.
CPS has concluded that there will be no further action.
“We have passed on this information to all parties involved.”
Ben, who met Alison when his dad helped clear the star’s garden, lives with his parents in Redditch, Worcs.
He and Alison split in February 2023.
She is now dating Russian model and masseur David Putman, 27.
Despite the age gap Alison is said to be “happier than ever” with David.
Earlier this month she told Good Housekeeping UK: “I can see how, on paper, you’d notice the age difference. But honestly, when we see the word ‘toyboy’ written about us, it bears no relation to what we have at all.
“Yes, I’m 22 years older than he is, but if you saw us together, you’d understand. People have said to me, ‘We get it now.’”
And she added: “He’s so mature and sensible, and I’m so not.
“The things he says to me . . . they’re just so lovely. It’s like a jigsaw; we fit and it all comes together.”
