Alison Hammond named as Paul O’Grady’s replacement on ITV show ‘For The Love Of Dogs’

Brummie TV star Alison Hammond has been named as the new host of ‘For the Love of Dogs’, following the death of former presenter Paul O’Grady.

Continuing its popular format, the series will revolved around Hammond as she follows the animals from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in London, as they search for a new place to live.

The six-part series will aim to share stories about some of the latest animals at the rescue centre.

“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,” Hammond said.

“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!”

Birmingham-born presenter Hammond, 48, was raised in Kingstanding alongside her two siblings. She started out working as a holiday rep and entertainer in Tunisia, and had previously been a child actress, before competing in the third series of the reality show Big Brother back in 2002.

She then went on to become a presenter on ITV’s This Morning and more recently, a co-presenter on the Channel 4 reality competition The Great British Bake Off.

Hammond has appeared on several reality shows since becoming a television personality, including I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, Celebrity Coach Trip, and Strictly Come Dancing.

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.”

Peter Laurie, Battersea’s chief executive, added: “Alongside our beloved ambassador, the late, great Paul O’Grady, we’ve enjoyed showing how much joy rescue animals can give.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Alison to Battersea and introducing her to the incredible animals in our care as we help them on their journey to finding loving, new homes.”

The multi award-winning show was presented by O’Grady between 2012 until his death in 2023, and had been something he had expressed interest in before it began.

O’Grady supported numerous animal rights campaigns and The Dogs and Cats home in south London recently announced it would be naming its veterinary hospital after the late presenter.

Simply known as ‘Battersea’, the organisation was established in Holloway in 1860 by Mary Tealby. The charity cares for an average of 240 dogs and 145 cats across all of its three centres at any one time. Although Battersea started taking in cats from 1883, its name remained Battersea Dogs Home until 2002.