Alison Hammond divides fans as she replaces legendary Paul O'Grady on ITV's For The Love of Dogs
One year on since the death of the late, great Paul O’Grady, Alison Hammond stepped into the shoes of the canine loving host to helm a brand new series of For The Love of Dogs - and fans were divided about the star’s debut.
As regular viewers will know, the smash hit ITV series follows the efforts of staff at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home as they help to care for and re-home animals in need. Up until last year, the show was famously hosted by Paul, but sadly he passed away last March after suffering from a sudden cardiac arrhythmia (an irregular heart beat).
Keen to continue his work at raising awareness and funds for the charity, Alison took over the presenting role and for the very first episode of the new series, the This Morning host rolled up her sleeves to get stuck in and lend a hand when she bottle fed a three-day-old puppy found abandoned in a bin.
In the same episode Alison also came face to face with a toy-obsessed terrier in training to be a sniffer dog, and fell head over heels for Nelly, a spaniel with a rare eye condition that was so heartwarming Alison even revealed she’d wanted to re-home her, herself!
The star explained: “Nelly is the most beautiful spaniel you've ever seen! She's red. She's got this brown, red fur. Just absolutely gorgeous. And she's just beautiful!
“When I met her, I did notice something was wrong with her eye. Something was wrong with the left side of the nose, the left eye and the left side of her mouth as well. She had to have her eye removed but she's thriving now! She's just like, ‘No problem!’ "
Alison the continued: “ When I was off work for a month doing stuff in the house, I actually asked if I could have Nelly at home with me but they said, ‘Unfortunately Nelly’s got a home now.’”
Immediately after the episode had aired, fans raced to social media to share their thoughts on Alison’s new role, with several fans noting that it was a bittersweet moment as they continued to mourn the loss of Paul.
One fan said: "I’m already emotional watching this without Paul."
A second fan then commented: "Not me already welling up in the opening seconds of #ForTheLoveOfDogs seeing that monument to Paul."
Before a third viewer added: "#Fortheloveofdogs Gonna take a bit of getting used to without Paul."
However, despite the extra emotional toll, fans were divided by Alison's role on screen, with many uncertain if she could live up to Paul's tremendous reputation.
One fan wrote: "No one will ever be Paul but he would want the show to live on and keep fighting for these animals. Give Alison a chance and be grateful she’s keeping this show going!"
A second then added: "Hope Alison Hammond can carry on the legacy that the legendary Paul O' Grady created."
Before a third fan weighed in and commented: "A few minutes in and it’s immediately obvious she isn’t right for this show. Totally wrong choice."
A fourth fan then added: "Alison doesn’t seem very natural with the dogs. Really should have had a presenter with a real passion for them."
Before a fifth viewer wrote: "How did I know people would sit moaning about Alison and coming here being nasty!! This show has no room for nasty people. I think she’s doing a great job."
For The Love of Dogs continues Tuesdays at 8pm on ITV and ITVX
