Alison Hammond will present For The Love Of Dogs following Paul O’Grady’s death in 2023 and now ITV has confirmed when viewers can watch the first episode.
The Great British Bake Off host will head to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to help the animals in its care look for a new place to live.
O’Grady, who died last March, became an ambassador for the shelter in 2012 after the success of the award-winning programme which he hosted for 11 series.
The new series will have six new episodes with viewers able to see and get to know the stories of some of Battersea’s latest arrivals.
Confirmed: For the Love of Dogs with Alison Hammond starts Tuesday 16 April, 8pm on @itv and @itvx pic.twitter.com/mOr3VMYDII
— ITV Press Centre (@itvpresscentre) April 3, 2024
When will For The Love Of Dogs return to ITV?
The new series, hosted by This Morning presenter Hammond, will begin on Tuesday, April 16.
Fans of the show can tune in to watch the first episode at 8pm on ITV and ITVX.
On becoming the new presenter of the series, Hammond 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.”
At the 2018 National Television Awards, O’Grady was given a special recognition award for the impact For The Love Of Dogs had on helping find homes for rescue animals nationwide.
Today, one year on, we’re remembering our beloved Ambassador and friend, Paul O’Grady, with some of our favourite moments spent with him. Paul is remembered and missed every day by our staff and volunteers, but his work lives on at Battersea and beyond.
— Battersea (@Battersea_) March 28, 2024
Thank you, Paul! 💙 pic.twitter.com/8iwB1V4XV6
Satmohan Panesar, commissioning editor for ITV, said: “We are thrilled to be able to confirm that the series will return in the spring and that the dogs have a brand-new champion in Alison Hammond.
“As Paul O’Grady always said himself, the stars of the show were the dogs themselves, but the impact that he had and the legacy he leaves will never be forgotten by any of us.
“We can’t wait to welcome back the series with Alison; there will be all the fun and warmth that our viewers have come to expect whilst continuing to showcase the wonderful and important work done by the incredible team at Battersea.”
Recommended reading:
- 'I can never replace Paul' - Alison Hammond to host ITV For the Love of Dogs
- Alison Hammond falls victim to 'hilarious' but 'cruel' April Fools' prank
- Alison Hammond caught in apparent sweary blunder on new Celebrity Bake Off
Battersea chief executive Peter Laurie said: “Everyone at Battersea is excited to embark upon a brand-new series of For the Love of Dogs with Alison Hammond.
“Over the last 12 years, For the Love Of Dogs has shared with viewers the love and expert care Battersea dedicates to all the animals that need our help.
“Alongside our beloved ambassador, the late, great Paul O’Grady, we’ve enjoyed showing how much joy rescue animals can give, and we’re pleased we can continue to shine a light on the work our charity undertakes every day to improve the lives of dogs and cats.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming Alison to Battersea and introducing her to the incredible animals in our care as we help them on their journey to finding loving, new homes.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel