ALISON Hammond ‘could get the lead’ from For The Love Of Dogs, according to reports.
The This Morning star, 49, is the new presenter of the popular ITV show following the sad and sudden death of Paul O’Grady.
5
Claims Alison Hammond ‘could be axed’ from Love Dogs Credit: Rex
5
The star is the new host of the ITV show following the death of Paul O’Grady Credit: ITV
But it’s claimed bosses are ‘considering sacking Alison’ after just one series.
Sources told The Mirror that TV presenters were “very disappointed” after the backlash from viewers.
An insider told the publication: “Unfortunately, the casting didn’t go the way the team behind the show had hoped – and it turned out to be a bit of a mismatch.
“ITV is very disappointed because it’s such a well-loved program and of course Alison is an ITV favourite. But unfortunately sometimes, despite our best efforts, things just don’t work out.”
READ MORE ABOUT ALISON HAMMOND
However, an ITV spokesperson denied the claims.
In a statement, the channel said: “This new series is mid-run and standard practice means no meaningful assessment of future plans will be made at this stage.
“Everyone is really pleased with the way Alison has brought her warmth and enthusiasm to the show and we hope viewers will continue to enjoy her for the next month on ITV1 and ITVX.”
Paul O’Grady has fronted For The Love Of Dogs since its launch in 2012 and helped the show win four National Television Awards.
It followed Paul as he visited Battersea Dogs & Cats’ Home to meet a range of dogs – often from troubled and difficult backgrounds.
Paul was a great dog lover and welcomed many rescue mutts into his home. He and husband Andre Portasio had five pet dogs living with them at the time of his tragic death.
‘Paul would be happy’ say For The Love Of Dogs fans after reluctant viewers finally give new host Alison Hammond a chance despite opposition
The extremely popular TV presenter – Lily Savage – died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of 67 in March last year.
For months, there was a question mark over who would take over the job of presenting For The Love Of Dogs.
Then, in January this year, it was confirmed that Alison – who doesn’t own a single dog – would take the helm.
When she was announced as the new presenter, Alison said: “I am very aware that I will never be able to replace the iconic Paul on this wonderful series, but if I can continue to shine a light on the brilliant work done in Battersea and help tell the stories of these wonderful dogs, then it will be an absolute privilege to do your best.
“I can’t wait to share the joy of their search for new loving homes and hope to make many furry friends of my own along the way!”
Unfortunately, however, This Morning star Alison was not as well received as she had hoped and was forced to hit back several times after receiving backlash from fans.
Keen viewers pointed out that Alison does not have any pets, so they concluded that she is not as passionate about animals as Paul.
Alison has repeatedly taken to social media and shared positive screenshots of the messages she has received from fans in an attempt to clap back.
5
Paul presented For The Love Of Dogs from 2012 until his sudden death last yearCredit: Rex
5
Pictured with Queen Camilla, he was a big dog loverCredit: Rex
5
Alison doesn’t have any pets, a pain point for fans Credit: Rex
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education