‘Paul would be happy’ say For The Love Of Dogs fans after reluctant viewers finally give Alison Hammond a chance
FOR The Love Of Dogs viewers have seemingly had a change of heart surrounding new host Alison Hammond after the star faced an onslaught of backlash after signing up the show.
The This Morning star was chosen to replace Paul O’Grady on the ITV programme following his tragic passing.
However, when the announcement was first made, Alison was met with a large amount of disdain with many viewers insisting she was not fit to take over from Paul.
Since she made her show debut earlier this month, fans have repeatedly slammed the star.
Long-time fans insisted that the show was forced and “scripted” and that Alison lacked warmth and empathy on the programme.
With the star now a few weeks in, it appears that the tides have begun to turn with reluctant viewers appearing to give the TV host a chance.
In the most recent episode, Alison assisted with a dog who was troubled and triggered by loud sounds.
She helped to get the terrified pup more used to noise and helped out the courageous crew at Battersea Cats and Dogs Home in her recovery process.
It led to many viewers to take to X – formerly Twitter – to praise Alison despite their reluctance.
Many shared how they hadn’t been able to watch the show since she was confirmed as host but that having tuned into the latest episode, they were quietly impressed.
Commenting online, one fan wrote: “@AlisonHammond may have been slated by people but seriously…. I honestly think Paul ogrady would be more than happy with Alison taking on the role , and more so that the show continues and helps more woofs find furever loving homes.”
Another added: “I’m sticking with #ForTheLoveOfDogs #AlisonHammond is kinda growing on me, she’s not loud on this!! Nothing more cuter than puppies.”
A third then added: “@AlisonHammond another great episode of For The Love of Dogs. I think you’re doing a great job.
“No one could fill Paul’s shoes, but you’ve made it your own. I look forward to next week.”
As a fourth went on to say: “@AlisonHammond you are brilliant on For the Love of Dogs. Paul O’Grady would be so proud.”
Before a fifth chimed in to say: “@AlisonHammond just decided to sit and watch #fortheloveofdogs as not been able to bring myself around to it after the loss of #paulogrady, I wasn’t even aware you were doing it now but I am pleased you are, I’ve seen a lot of hatred too which is just silly, ignore them xx.”
Initially, many viewers thought Paul’s long-time friend and fellow animal lover Julian Clary would have been a better fit to take over at the host of For the Love of Dogs.
However, when speaking with her co-host Dermot O’Leary on an episode of This Morning, Alison revealed Julian endorsed her appointment in a text.
After telling Dermot, 50, that she wants to do the show “because I want to find out about dogs and I’ve always wanted a dog,” Alison revealed Julian had been in touch.
She explained: “He just said ‘I’m so happy you got the job, Paul actually thought a lot of you Alison, thought very highly of you, and he would be so happy, as am I.’
“And that just really, like, got me. I’m so, so happy. I just want to make him proud in his legacy at Battersea and I just want to carry on that work.
“We just want to find some amazing homes for some wonderful dogs,” she concluded.
