Alison Hammond's casting as Paul O'Grady's For The Love of Dogs replacement sparked a mixed response from fans of the ITV show before she'd even set foot into Battersea.
O'Grady's death last year meant the future of the show, which celebrates dogs and the work of Battersea Dogs Home, was up in the air but This Morning star Hammond was soon announced as the new host of the beloved series.
The 49-year-old has spoken out about the backlash she's been on the receiving end of after taking to social media.
It came after several viewers defended her following the criticism, with one writing on X: "All those people judging before it was even shown.
"Shame on you. It is about the dogs & I’m sure Paul would have loved his programme being carried on. Alison was brilliant."
Reposting the comment, Hammond made her feelings clear on being "judged" as she simply penned: "This," alongside an emoji of a dog.
Hammond has faced a backlash for replacing O'Grady
Getty/ITV
A second person shared: "@AlisonHammond Dear Alison, We can’t think of anybody better & loving to follow dear Paul O’Grady and love the pups at 'For The Love of Dogs'. @itvFLOD xxxx," to which Hammond replied: "Thank you."
Another argued: "You’re a great presenter, wonderful personality and down to earth - what’s not to love."
"Yes you’re doing a great job loved this week made me cry for the love of dogs that dear little dog had to have his leg off so pleased he got a loving home & also love the New waxwork," someone else added.
Another X user commented: "Oh My God you are doing a wonderful job. Loved the shows you are following in the great man so well and I’m sure he is looking down on you and is so proud xxxx." (sic)
Hammond has faced criticism for not being a dog owner
ITV
"You'll bring the same humour and love Paul brought to the show xx," someone else pointed out.
Once it was announced recently that Hammond had landed the gig, several complained the presenter wasn't a dog-owner herself, while O’Grady famously had many pooches throughout the years.
She admitted: “I was actually surprised with how much I got for doing the show. I could understand in the sense that Paul was so loved and people were saying: 'How can she do Love Of Dogs when she doesn't have a dog? How does she love dogs when she doesn't have a dog?'
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Dog-lover O'Grady died last year
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“It's like saying: 'How can you love children when you haven't got kids? It's such a flawed argument for me and all I would say is: 'If you don't want to watch it, don't watch it.'”
Speaking to The Sun, the presenter continued: “That's what I would say to those trolls: 'Don't watch it then. If you don't want to help Battersea, don't watch it.’”
