Noureddine Boufaied is a Tunisian-born professional who is best known to the public as the former partner of British television star Alison Hammond. While often described in media reports as Hammond’s ex-husband, Alison clarified in late 2023 that although they were engaged and shared a deeply committed relationship, they never officially married. The couple shares one child, Aiden Hammond, born on February 5, 2005—the same day as Alison’s own birthday. Noureddine, who worked as a taxi driver in Manchester for many years, has largely remained out of the media spotlight, maintaining a private life despite his former partner’s rise to become one of the UK’s most beloved presenters on This Morning and The Great British Bake Off.
Early Life and Tunisian Roots
Noureddine Boufaied was born and raised in Tunisia before moving to the United Kingdom as a young adult.
Little is known about his early years in North Africa, as he has never sought the public eye. However, Alison Hammond has spoken fondly of his heritage, noting that she once worked as a holiday rep in Tunisia. Ironically, she did not meet Noureddine during her time abroad; instead, the two met in England shortly after she returned from her travels. Alison has frequently praised his “beautiful smile,” a trait she notes has been passed down directly to their son, Aiden.
Relationship with Alison Hammond
The relationship between Noureddine and Alison began in the early 2000s, just as Alison was becoming a household name following her appearance on Big Brother Series 3.
The Engagement vs. Marriage Debate
For nearly two decades, many major news outlets and Wikipedia entries listed Noureddine as Alison’s “ex-husband.” In 2023, during an interview on the Rosebud podcast, Alison set the record straight: “A lot of people think I’ve been married—I’ve never been married. If you look online it’s like, ‘Alison was married to Aiden’s dad’, but I wasn’t. He was engaged to me but we never actually got married.” This clarification highlighted the couple’s preference for a private commitment over a legal ceremony.
Their Split and Co-Parenting
The couple eventually parted ways when Aiden was young, though the exact date of their separation has never been publicly disclosed. Unlike many high-profile breakups, their split was remarkably amicable. In 2024, Alison commented on the separation, stating, “It’s not a failure. This is life.” In 2026, they remain a model of successful co-parenting, with Noureddine often appearing in rare family photos shared by Alison to celebrate Aiden’s milestones.
Professional Career in Manchester
While his partner was dominating the television screens of millions, Noureddine Boufaied built a steady career in the transport sector.
He is widely known to have worked as a taxi driver in Manchester. This profession allowed him to maintain a stable lifestyle and stay close to his son while avoiding the paparazzi that frequently followed Alison. His choice of a “regular” job despite his proximity to fame has been cited by fans as a reason for the grounded nature of their son, Aiden, who only recently began making red-carpet appearances.
The “Marti Pellow” Viral Moment
In late 2021 and again in 2024, Noureddine became an accidental social media sensation due to a viral TikTok trend.
Alison Hammond participated in a “show your parents” challenge, posting a rare photograph of Noureddine from their younger years alongside a photo of herself. Fans were instantly struck by his appearance, with thousands of commenters pointing out his uncanny resemblance to Marti Pellow, the lead singer of the 90s pop band Wet Wet Wet. The comparison brought a brief moment of intense public interest to Noureddine, though he did not break his silence to comment on the “fit fella” labels he received from Alison’s followers.
Role as a Father: Aiden Hammond
The most significant aspect of Noureddine’s life in the public eye is his relationship with his son, Aiden.
Aiden Hammond has grown up primarily in Birmingham with his mother but has maintained a strong bond with his father in Manchester. In 2021, Aiden made his official red-carpet debut at the Pride of Britain Awards, where fans noted he inherited his father’s height and his mother’s charismatic presence. Noureddine has been a constant, quiet support system for Aiden, who is now pursuing his own interests in the creative arts and DJing as of 2026.
Practical Information and Status
For those seeking factual data regarding Noureddine Boufaied’s current standing in 2026.
Current Status: Residing in the UK; maintains a private lifestyle.
Relationship Status: Single/Private; no longer romantically linked to Alison Hammond.
Co-parenting: Active involvement in Aiden Hammond’s life.
Public Profile: Extremely low; does not maintain public social media accounts.
Nationality: Tunisian-British.
FAQs
Is Noureddine Boufaied Alison Hammond’s husband?
No, Alison Hammond clarified in 2023 that while they were engaged and lived together, they were never legally married.
What is Noureddine Boufaied’s job?
He has spent much of his professional life working as a taxi driver in Manchester.
Where is Noureddine Boufaied from?
He was born in Tunisia and later moved to the United Kingdom.
Does Noureddine Boufaied have other children?
Public records and interviews only mention one child, Aiden Hammond, whom he shares with Alison.
How old is Noureddine Boufaied?
His exact birth date is not public, but he is believed to be in his late 40s or early 50s.
Why did Alison Hammond and Noureddine split?
Alison has never given a specific reason for the split, simply stating that they “weren’t ready for marriage at the time.”
Does Noureddine Boufaied look like Marti Pellow?
Many fans believe so; a viral TikTok in 2021 sparked a massive debate over his resemblance to the Wet Wet Wet singer.
Is Noureddine Boufaied on Instagram?
No, he does not have a public Instagram account. Photos of him are only seen when shared by Alison or Aiden.
Does he live in Birmingham?
While Alison is based in Birmingham, Noureddine has historically been associated with the Manchester area.
Is Noureddine Boufaied still in the UK?
Yes, as of 2026, he remains in the UK and continues to co-parent his son.
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