For The Love of Dogs fans all say same thing as Alison Hammond replaces Paul O'Grady

For The Love of Dogs fans all issued the same complaint over This Morning host Alison Hammond becoming the long-running ITV show's new host. 

Paul O'Grady, who is all well known for his penchant for pooches as his comedy, hosted the programme ahead of his untimely death in March, 2023. He was 67 years old when he died unexpectedly but peacefully at his Kent home. 

When ITV announced Great British Bake Off presenter Alison, aged 49, would be his successor, it divided For The Love of Dogs, which is filmed at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, in London. The news of Alison hosting the show sparked a huge backlash on social media.

Unlike Alison, who doesn't currently have any pets, Paul was the proud owner of three rescue dogs that he left behind with his husband Andre Portasio. Two of his canines were from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. 

As the first episode of the new series of For The Love of Dogs got underway, a sign paying tribute to the late Paul was aired to viewers as a dog looked up at it. 

Elsewhere, new host Alison met a variety of rescue dogs and puppies. She soon fell in love with a young puppy which was thrown out of a car and taken in by the trust. 

While hand-feeding the little ginger pup, an emotional Alison said: "This is taking me back to being a mum back when I had my baby. He just burped!"

ITV viewers flocked to X, formerly known as Twitter, to comment on how Alison is continuing Paul's legacy. 

Rhys 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  #fortheloveofdogs #battersea." 

Debs added: "#ForTheLoveOfDogs it won't be the same without #PaulOGrady but I'll give it a go." 

Ruby noted: "I feel like the people tweeting are watching a different show to me - I think Alison is doing a great job! no, she’s never going to be Paul O'Grady but she’s not trying to be! he would want the show to continue #fortheloveofdogs." 

Jessic opined: "Paul will never be replaced but actually when she’s not shouting her head off and guffawing at jokes that aren’t funny Alison isn’t doing a bad job #fortheloveofdogs." 

Jay shared: "Is Alison a natural like Paul? No. But has anything so far shown she is not a fit for the show? No. Jesus at least watch the episode and then decide #Fortheloveofdogs." (sic) 

However, Steve said: "It still beggars belief that these people who hired Alison thought she’d be the one to fill the impossibly big shoes of our Paul. He didn’t deserve this. And neither did those cute dogs. #ForTheLoveOfDogs." (sic) 

For The Love of Dogs continues next Tuesday at 8pm on ITV and ITVX.