Alison Hammond has made her ITV debut presenting For The Love of Dogs, following the death of former host Paul O’Grady in March last year at the age of 67.
The 49-year-old This Morning presenter took to the show with her usual zeal, and she has urged followers to donate to help the dogs at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home via social media.
In her first episode, Alison met an abandoned puppy named Oscar, whom she helped nurse all the way to a new home, and she followed nine-year-old spaniel Nelly as she underwent eye surgery.
Fans praised Alison for taking on the role so naturally, especially given the difficult circumstances surrounding O’Grady’s death. He had hosted the ITV series since its debut in 2012 and served as a charity ambassador.
‘Fair play to @AlisonHammond can’t have been easy taking this programme over whilst being respectful to Paul. So glad the programme is still being made and all the great work for @Battersea_ is continuing,’ wrote @kelly_xm_ on X.
Meanwhile, @WoodstockLex wrote: ‘For the Love of Dogs! You are absolutely Smashing it, girl. Danny (our rescue greyhound) & I knew you would.’
On Instagram, @traa_dy_looar said: ‘I’ve watched love of Dogs since it was very first aired. You did it Bab, you captured it’s all about the dogs. Love your care of the little old spaniel. Paul would be very proud I am sure.’
‘Amazing Alison, you were wonderful and the dogs clearly connected with you,’ added @kelly-hines.kh.
While the show was airing, Alison took to social media and posted an Instagram story urging people to donate money to the South West London charity, setting a £1,000 goal.
She also shared a touching drawing of herself walking alongside O’Grady on a book with a slew of dogs and cats by their sides.
Text on the artwork wrote: ‘To follow in your steps, is to help every pet find their happily ever after.’
O’Grady left an incredible £500,000 to Battersea Cats & Dogs Home in his will.
His will also included £125,000 for his five dogs: Nancy, Arfur, Conchita, Eddie, and Sausage.
His will stated that he was leaving ‘£25,000 in respect of each animal’, to be used ‘for the upkeep and maintenance’ of each until its death.
On the day of O’Grady’s funeral, pet owners lined the streets with their four-legged companions to pay tribute to the presenter, who had spent much of his life with dogs.
When Alison was announced as the series’ new presenter, some viewers were upset by her lack of pets.
Alison, unlike O’Grady, does not own a dog due to the responsibility and conflict with her life as a single working mother.
‘It’s a massive responsibility. I’ve always wanted a dog but you have to take it seriously,’ Alison explained.
Many others, including O’Grady’s friend Julian Clary, backed Alison for the role.
She told co-host Dermot O’Leary that the 64-year-old comedian messaged to say: ‘Paul actually thought a lot of you. He would be so happy you got the job, as am I.’
O’Grady passed away peacefully at home in Kent from sudden cardiac arrhythmia.
O’Grady’s will included a total of £775,000 for causes and organisations close to his heart.
He also donated £50,000 to various elephant and orangutan charities, as well as £50,000 to the Salvation Army, which helped him grow up in Liverpool.
A close friend explained the significance of O’Grady’s generosity, stating that it did not surprise them.
‘This is typical of Paul as he put his money where his mouth was by leaving cash to charities that had special meaning to him,’ they told The Sun.
‘And though £125,000 seems like a lot of money to spend on his dogs, they also meant the world to him and he wanted to ensure they always receive the best love and care.’
For the Love of Dogs airs on Wednesday on ITV1 at 8pm.