Paul O’Grady and For the Love of Dogs fans have taken to social media in their droves once again after ITV dropped a fresh update on the series.
Following O’Grady’s death last year, ITV decided Alison Hammond should be the presenter tasked with taking over the reins of the much-loved show.
News of Hammond’s appointment prompted several diehard fans to threaten to “boycott” For the Love of Dogs as many felt the series couldn’t go on without the iconic comic.
However, Hammond acknowledged the task ahead of her and admitted she “can never replace the iconic” O’Grady in a statement upon landing role.
“But if I can continue to shine a light on the brilliant work done at Battersea and help to tell the stories of these beautiful dogs, then it will be an absolute privilege to give it my all,” Hammond added.
Now, it’s been confirmed Hammond’s first show will air on Tuesday, April 16 at 8pm on ITV and ITVX.
Alison Hammond was unveiled as Paul O’Grady’s replacement earlier this year
ITV
The channel’s press account on X, formerly Twitter, broke the news on Wednesday alongside a new snap of Hammond at Battersea.
However, following the news of the return date, several For the Love of Dogs fans took aim at ITV once again.
“I can’t watch without Paul,” one fan fumed. “She’s not bad at what she does but she’s not the right choice for this show and just screams itv using one of their own instead of being a bit more creative.”
A second weighed in: “I feel so bad for Battersea. Wrong choice by ITV and they will be the ones to lose out by it. ITV are just purposefully deaf to public opinion…”
“That will be a no, Paul O’Grady can’t be replaced and she gets on my t**s,” a third hit out before a fourth complained: “I give it 1 series and it’ll either be cancelled or a new presenter.”
And another blasted: “Shame and a shame to Battersea as many won’t watch now. Great show with a great host, who had dogs, rescued dogs, loved dogs and was for the love of dogs. There are other presenters who may have been better suited to fill such wonderful shoes. This presenter won’t.”
Even Hammond’s fans weren’t convinced this how would work, with one of them arguing: “I love Alison but I won’t be able to watch it. It’s Paul’s show and always will be.”
However, there has been some support for the This Morning star taking over the show, with one person commenting: “Well done @AlisonHammond – Have told all our friends in Barking to tune in. x.” (sic)
Paul O’Grady’s For the Love of Dogs will continue with Alison at the helm
ITV/GETTY
Fans will have to tune in later this month to see how Hammond fares in the leading role.
ITV has stood by its decision to appoint the Bake Off host, with Commissioning Editor Satmohan Panesar saying of the decision: “We are thrilled to be able to confirm that the series will return in the spring and that the dogs have a brand-new champion in Alison Hammond.
“As Paul O’Grady always said himself, the stars of the show were the dogs themselves, but the impact that he had and the legacy he leaves will never be forgotten by any of us.
“We can’t wait to welcome back the series with Alison; there will be all the fun and warmth that our viewers have come to expect whilst continuing to showcase the wonderful and important work done by the incredible team at Battersea.”
