Alison Hammond ‘faces being axed from For The Love of Dogs after failing to impress bosses’
ALISON Hammond ‘could be given the chop’ from For The Love Of Dogs, according to reports.
The This Morning star, 49, is the new host of the popular ITV show following the sad and sudden death of Paul O’Grady.
But it has been claimed that bosses are ‘considering axing Alison’ after just one series.
Sources have told The Mirror that telly execs are “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.”
An ITV spokesperson has, however, denied the claims.
In a statement, the channel said: “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.”
Paul O’Grady hosted For The Love Of Dogs since its launch in 2012 and help the show to win four National Television Awards.
It followed Paul as he visited Battersea Dogs & Cats’ Home to meet an array of pooches – often from troubled and difficult backgrounds.
Paul was a massive dog lover and welcomed many rescue mutts into his home. He and husband Andre Portasio had five pet dogs living with them at the time of his tragic death.
The hugely popular TV presenter – aka Lily Savage – died suddenly from a heart attack at the age of 67 in March last year.
For many months, a question mark hung over who would take over the job of presenting For The Love Of Dogs.
Then, in January this year, it was confirmed that Alison – who does not own any pet dogs – would be taking over the helm.
When she was announced as the new host, Alison said: “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.
“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!”
However, unfortunately This Morning star Alison has not been as well received as hoped and she has been forced to hit back several times after receiving a backlash from fans.
Die-hard viewers pointed out that Alison doesn’t have any pets, which has led them to believe that she isn’t as passionate about animals as Paul was.
Alison has taken to social media multiple times and shared positive screen shots of messages she has received from fans in an attempt to clap back.