Alison Hammond's last For The Love Of Dogs appearance announced after mixed reviews

Alison Hammond has announced the end of her stint on ITV's For The Love Of Dogs with a heartfelt post on social media.

The beloved 49-year-old This Morning star stepped into the role previously held by the late Paul O'Grady, who tragically passed away from a heart attack at age 67 last March.

Since taking the reins at the end of April, Alison's performance has received a mixed response, with some viewers questioning her suitability for the role given she doesn't own any pets herself.

Despite this, an ITV spokesperson earlier this month expressed their satisfaction with Alison's contribution to the show and stated that no decisions regarding her future involvement have been made, reports the Mirror.

On her Instagram, Alison shared her affection for the time spent filming the series alongside a snapshot from the last episode. The image, which shows a smiling Alison holding a dog, was initially posted on the show's official Instagram account.

"We're back at @Battersea tonight for the final episode this series of #ForTheLoveOfDogs with @AlisonHammond55! " the original caption read. Alison then reposted the picture on Wednesday, adding: "Final episode of 'for the love of dogs [dog emoji]' I loved every minute of it."

Sources have suggested that the top brass were left underwhelmed by the new programme, revealing that staff at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home were briefed on the uncertainty of her role as host.

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They shared: "Everyone was very excited when Alison was confirmed to replace Paul. She had very big shoes to fill, but it was felt that with her warmth and bubbly personality she could do it. 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. 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."

ITV swiftly dispelled any whispers regarding her future on the hit show as "entirely without foundation". Speaking to the Mirror, they said: "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.

"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."

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