Alison Hammond will take over for Paul O’Grady on For the Love of Dogs.
O’Grady died in March 2023 at the age of 67, and Alison, 48, will now take his place on the ITV programme, the network has said.
The This Morning presenter will be visiting Battersea Dogs & Cats Home following the loss of O’Grady, who hosted the show for 11 seasons since its inception in 2012.
The six-part series will follow the lives of the most recent arrivals at Battersea, with Alison assisting staff and volunteers in caring for the animals and preparing them for rehoming.
On the new role, Alison said: ‘I am very aware that I can never replace the iconic Paul in this wonderful series, 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.
‘I can’t wait to share the joy of their searches for new loving forever homes and hopefully make lots of furry friends of my own along the way!”
O’Grady’s link to the South London rescue shelter began when he acquired many dogs from the organisation, including mongrels Arfur and Nancy, shih-tzu Boycie, chihuahua/Jack Russell cross Eddie and dachshund Sausage.
O’Grady, also known as his alter-ego Lily Savage, had intended to shoot at the house for six days, but instead stayed as a volunteer for six months.
At the end of the first season, he was invited to become the home’s ambassador.
After O’Grady’s unexpected death from cardiac arrhythmia, Battersea dedicated its veterinary hospital in his memory and established a commemorative fund that garnered £480,000.
Alison’s TV credits include ITV’s This Morning and Channel 4’s The Great British Bake Off. She will now also appear in For The Love Of Dogs.
At O’Grady’s burial, dogs and their owners lined the streets of Aldington, Kent, his adopted home of 20 years. A bake sale was held outside the Walnut Tree pub, with money going to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Of Alison’s new role, Satmohan Panesar, Commissioning Editor for ITV said: ‘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.’
