ITV viewers were left heartbroken as the first episode of For The Love Of Dogs aired since the death of beloved host Paul O’Grady, with Alison Hammond stepping in to fill his shoes.
This Morning’s Alison has taken over hosting duties from the late Paul, who tragically passed away in 2023. However, her appointment has been met with some backlash.
The premiere of the new series, set at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in London, aired tonight, and fans quickly took to social media to comment on a touching tribute to Paul at the beginning of the show.
One viewer posted: “I’m already emotional watching this without Paul #ForTheLoveOfDogs,” while another said: “Not me already welling up in the opening seconds of #ForTheLoveOfDogs.”
A third wrote: “Nah… I can’t watch #fortheloveofdogs,” and a fourth added: ” #ForTheLoveOfDogs it won’t be the same without #PaulOGrady but I’ll give it a go,” reports the Mirror.
Alison has since responded to the criticism surrounding her new role.
She stated: “I was actually surprised with how much I got for doing the show.
“I could understand in the sense that Paul was so loved and people were saying: ‘How can she do Love Of Dogs when she doesn’t have a dog?
“How does she love dogs when she doesn’t have a dog? ‘ It’s like saying: ‘How can you love children when you haven’t got kids?'”
“It’s such a flawed argument for me and all I would say is: ‘If you don’t want to watch it, don’t watch it.’ That’s what I would say to those trolls: ‘Don’t watch it then. If you don’t want to help Battersea, don’t watch it.'”
Following Paul’s death, Battersea’s chief executive Peter Laurie released a poignant statement.
He expressed: “Battersea will forever remember Paul as a devoted animal lover with the biggest heart, who fell head over heels in love with every dog he met at our centres.
“Paul will always be associated with Battersea and we are truly saddened to have lost such a true friend and huge part of our charity.
“Paul had an extremely hands-on approach as a Battersea ambassador and has been fundamental in helping our charity to communicate important campaign messages.
“He was a champion for the underdog and would do anything to ensure all animals live a healthy and happy life. He will be dearly missed.”
For The Love of Dogs continues next Tuesday at 8pm on ITV and ITVX.