Alison Hammond faced criticism from fans during her debut as the host of ITV show For The Love of Dogs, with many claiming she did not compare to the previous host, Paul O’Grady. O’Grady had been the ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and had hosted the award-winning program for 11 series until his passing the previous year. The announcement of Hammond as the new host garnered mixed reactions from viewers, with some praising her touch and others expressing disappointment in the choice to replace O’Grady. Some fans commended Hammond for having the right approach, while others felt she lacked a rapport with the animals and was not the right fit for the show.
In the first episode, Hammond encountered a range of dogs in need of help, including a puppy rescued from a bin, a working dog sent to be a sniffer dog, and a spaniel in need of an operation. Critics of Hammond’s hosting skills took to social media to express their disappointment, with some describing her as “dull as dishwater” and suggesting that she was not the right choice to fill O’Grady’s shoes. However, many fans came to Hammond’s defense, praising her performance on the show and expressing their support for her as the new host. They commended her for doing a good job and stepping into a challenging role with grace.
Despite the criticism she faced, Hammond had previously expressed her excitement and determination to take on the role when it was announced in January. However, reports later revealed that she had been struggling to build a rapport with the dogs on the show, particularly with larger breeds, as she was reportedly scared of big dogs. Crew members claimed that Hammond’s fear was due to a childhood memory of witnessing a dog attack in her neighborhood. Despite these challenges, Hammond remained committed to the show and worked towards overcoming her fears to fulfill her responsibilities as the host.
Hammond’s lack of experience with dogs was a point of contention for some viewers, who questioned her suitability for the role. However, Hammond emphasized that she was taking the responsibility seriously and was eager to learn more about dogs. She also shared a heartfelt message she received from comedian Julian Clary, who had given her O’Grady’s blessing to front the show after his passing. Clary praised Hammond and expressed his confidence that O’Grady would be pleased with her work on the show. Hammond expressed her desire to honor O’Grady’s legacy and continue the important work of finding loving homes for the animals at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Despite the challenges she faced, Hammond’s dedication to the show and her willingness to overcome her fears were evident in her interactions with the dogs and her commitment to the cause. While some viewers expressed disappointment in her performance as the new host, others stood by her and offered their support. Ultimately, Hammond’s debut on For The Love Of Dogs marked a new chapter in the show’s history, with her own unique approach and commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of the animals featured on the program.
