ITV defends Alison Hammond after brutal For The Love of Dogs backlash – but won’t confirm her future on show

ALISON Hammond was defended by ITV after facing serious backlash about For the Love Of Dogs.

This came after rumours surfaced that the commercial network was planning to axe of the star after her first series on the show.

But now ITV has now hit back at the claims and they have claimed bosses were 'pleased' with the way she fronted the series.

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 : "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, 49, was previously announced as the new host of the iconic series earlier this year.

This was after the This Morning personality took over the reins of the show from Paul O'Grady, who sadly passed away in March 2023.

Rumours of a potential hosting shake-up first surfaced after sources told The Mirror that telly execs were "very disappointed" following a negative reaction from viewers.

An insider told the publication: "Unfortunately the casting has not worked out how the team behind the show hoped - and it has turned out to be a bit of a misfit.

"ITV are very disappointed because it's such a well-loved programme, and of course Alison is an ITV favourite too. But unfortunately sometimes in spite of everyone's best efforts, things just don't work out."

Paul hosted For The Love Of Dogs since its launch in 2012 up until his sudden death last year.

The star helped the show to win four National Television Awards as the show proved popular with the British public.

Some viewers were sceptical about Alison's new gig on the show, claiming that she isn't fond of dogs and doesn't have any furry friends of her own.

By contrast, Paul had three dogs, and two of them were rescued from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home where the show is filmed. 

Alison did, however, receive some positive feedback after her debut on the show, with fans expressing their support on X, formerly known as Twitter.

One user wrote: ";Alison your so brilliant and your work at battersea is inspiring me."

Whilst another added: "Loving #fortheloveofdogs these dogs love you Alison, they come right to you, that's one thing about dogs, they recognise nice people instantly."