This Morning presenter Alison Hammond has been confirmed as the new host of ITV series For the Love of Dogs.
The reality TV series, formerly presented by the late Paul O'Grady, will return for its twelfth series with the Bake Off host taking over presenting duties.
Viewers will see Alison "dish out the dog treats and set tails wagging" at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in London, helping to care for and re-home their animal residents.
What to Read Next
Related: This Morning's Alison Hammond makes rare comment on split from son's father
"I am very aware that I can never replace the iconic Paul in this wonderful series," she said. "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, an ambassador for the animal charity for many years, fronted the show since its beginning in 2012, appearing in eleven series. The last season of For the Love of Dogs aired in April 2023, shortly after the entertainer's death in March.
Related: Paul O’Grady honoured by Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Last October, Battersea's chief executive Peter Laurie announced that a new veterinary hospital will be named after O'Grady, honouring his legacy.
"It really is a testament to how loved Paul was, and we shall always be forever grateful for everything he did for us," he told BBC News.
"As an ambassador for Battersea, especially during his 11 years filming For the Love of Dogs, Paul helped animals in their recuperation from surgery.
"At times, [he] watched as they headed off site for specialist surgery, [so] naming our veterinary hospital after Paul feels fitting."
Of Hammond taking over as host, Laurie said that everyone at Battersea was "looking forward to welcoming Alison" and introducing her to the "incredible animals" in their care.
For the Love of Dogs is currently available to stream on ITVX.
You Might Like...
Emily is an experienced freelance entertainment writer and editor, reporting on all things TV, film, soaps and showbiz. An NCTJ-qualified journalist, with a First Class Honours degree in Journalism from the University of Sussex, Emily is a former Deputy News Editor and Evening News Editor at Digital Spy. She has previously worked at Hello magazine, BBC South News and GoodtoKnow.
A small and big-screen obsessive – with subscriptions to every TV and film service under the sun – Emily knows her movie stars from soap stars, and is always clued up on the latest reality show dumping, just-dropped trailer or off-screen spat. She's interviewed a number of celebrities over the years, with highlights including The Masked Singer host Joel Dommett and GMB's Kate Garraway (who "loved" her trousers).
Emily counts Sharon Horgan and Julia Davis as her TV heroes, and is a loyal Wes Anderson fan. LinkedIn
