ITV has hit back at claims the broadcaster is planning to "axe" Alison Hammond following her debut series of For the Love of Dogs.
This Morning host Hammond, 49, has faced harsh criticism ever since she was appointed as the late Paul O'Grady's replacement on the documentary series.
Following weeks of negative feedback, Hammond recently spoke out against the backlash she's been receiving.
It was reported last week that ITV bosses agreed with the criticism though, with updates stating the channel was thinking about "axing" the presenter after becoming "disappointed" with the series.
However, when contacted by GB News, the broadcaster strongly refuted such claims, insisting the team are "really pleased" with Hammond's work.
A spokesperson told this publication: "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.
ITV set the record straight about their thoughts on Hammond's work on For the Love of Dogs
ITV
"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.
"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."
It comes after a source allegedly told The Mirror: "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.
Hammond made her debut on the show this year
ITV
"But unfortunately sometimes in spite of everyone's best efforts, things just don't work out.
"Conversations are now ongoing about her future on the show within ITV and that has been communicated to Battersea.
"They are of course very passionate about the show, and want it to go on as long as possible."
However, ITV has made its stance on the matter clear and it seems there are no plans to remove Hammond from the beloved dog series.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Hammond has faced criticism since it was announced she'd be O'Grady's replacement on the show
ITV
Hammond herself recently broke her silence on the backlash she has faced, including complaints that she doesn't own a dog.
She told The Sun: "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?'
"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.'
"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.'"
