First look as Alison Hammond replaces Paul O'Grady on ITV's For The Love of Dogs

ITV has offered viewers their first look at Alison Hammond in action as the new host of For the Love of Dogs. The This Morning star takes over from Paul O’Grady, who tragically died last year.

In the first episode, Alison meets a tiny three-week old pup who was thrown away in a bin, a boisterous terrier cross who needs to put his energy to good use and a spaniel with an eye problem who Alison quickly falls in love with.

As Alison feeds Oscar, she says: “This is the best day of my life. Honestly, it takes me back to when I was a mum feeding my baby. How you could ever throw this away?”

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Elsewhere in the first episode of the series – which airs on Tuesday, April 16 – Alison meets Nelly, a nine-year-old spaniel who was brought to Battersea after her owner fell ill and could no longer take care of her. Alison helps as Nelly has her eye medication before giving her a much-needed cuddle ahead of an impending operation. Alison then heads out to the paddocks to meet a spaniel-terrier cross who has lots of energy and is hoping to get a job as a sniffer dog.

Upon being announced as host of For the Love of Dogs, 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!”

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.”

Peter Laurie, Battersea Chief Executive: “Everyone at Battersea is excited to embark upon a brand-new series of For the Love of Dogs with Alison Hammond. Over the last twelve 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.”

For the Love of Dogs airs on ITV1 and ITVX. You can keep up to date with the latest TV and showbiz news by signing up to the newsletter here.