ALISON Hammond has made a huge statement about the backlash she has faced for her role on For The Love of Dogs.
The ITV favourite took over the leash of the show from Paul O’Grady after he passed away in 2023.
For The Love Of Dogs followed the veteran TV personality in his role as ambassador of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
The cameras followed him as he interacted with all the staff and displayed his utter love for the canines, after he housed three rescue dogs himself.
After Alison, 49, took to the airwaves in his place, viewers threatened to switch off in droves as they stated “we can’t take much more of this“.
But the This Morning personality has reaffirmed her commitment to the cause as she hit out at the haters.
But she did not use not words as such, but she proved her utter passion and devotion with an adorable gesture.
The former Big Brother star surprised staff as she paid a spontaneous visit to the renowned shelter for animals.
She opted for a fresh face and a casual look, consisting of large rose tinted sunglasses, a brown leather jacket and dark blue denim jeans.
They took to their Instagram story to thank the long-time TV presenter for her generosity and time.
Sharing a picture of Alison hugging a Golden Retriever puppy, they wrote: “What a lovely surprise!
“Thank you @alisonhammond55 for coming back to say hello to our staff and animals.”
Although, ITV wouldn’t confirm her future on the adorable pooch-perfect series, the commercial broadcaster previously defended the bubbly Brummie.
An spokesperson for the channel said: “Any suggestion that conversations at decision-making level regarding the future of Alison’s role on For the Love of Dogs have been held within ITV or between the production team and Battersea are entirely without foundation.
“This new series is in the middle of its run and standard practice means no meaningful assessment of future plans would be made at this stage.
They added to GB News: “Everyone’s really pleased with the way Alison has brought her warmth and enthusiasm to the show and we hope viewers continue to enjoy it over the next month on ITV1 and on ITVX.”
Alison Hammond's rise to superstardom
Alison Hammond is one of the UK's most beloved television presenters
With her bubbly personality and her infectious energy, she has delighted viewers for decades on-screen. We take a look back at her glittering career.
She first appeared on the third series of Big Brother in 2002, where Alison was the second housemate to get the boot.
After her appearance on the Channel 4 reality show, she was given the role as a roving reporter on ITV’s This Morning.
The personality was best known for her infamous interviews with the likes of Dwayne Johnson, Tom Cruise and Bradley Cooper.
Her chat with Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling went viral worldwide and fans soon started to call for her to get her own show.
In 2021, Alison and Dermot O’Leary replaced Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford as the main hosts for the weekly Friday edition of the show.
Two years later in 2023 she was chosen to replace Matt Lucas as one of the hosts of The Great British Bake Off alongside Noel Fielding.
With her status of TV favourite fully cemented, ITV announced that she would take over duties on For The Love of Dogs after the sad passing of Paul O’Grady at the age of 67-years-old.
To support her main roles, she has also appeared in significant reality shows such as I’m A Celebrity, Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Masterchef.
