For the Love of Dogs fans make Alison Hammond 'legacy' comment after debut

It's never easy taking on a new role, especially if the person doing it before was held in extremely high regard. But many viewers have praised Alison Hammond for continuing the late Paul O'Grady's legacy and taking the helm of beloved documentary series For The Love of Dogs after his sad death last year.

The programme, which takes viewers behind-the-scenes at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, launched in 2012 and was presented by Paul O'Grady for 11 series. Following his death, ITV confirmed the programme would continue with Alison Hammond as the new presenter, and her first episode aired on Tuesday (April 16).

Whilst some viewers said Alison, who also co-presents This Morning and The Great British Bake Off, didn't appear to show any "connection" with the dogs in the first episode of the series, other show fans have thanked her for stepping up to the plate and helping keep the beloved programme running.

ALISON HAMMOND: ITV For the Love of Dogs’ Alison Hammond’s former ‘debt’ struggles, secret love life and crisis meetings with ITV

TV: Married At First Sight Australia viewers say they can't understand why groom applied for show

In Tuesday's episode, Alison - who doesn't actually have any dogs herself - gave viewers an insight into the dedication of Battersea's hard-working staff and volunteers and the sort of help and love they give dogs in their care, including supporting a gorgeous pooch with a poorly eye who had to have surgery, and feeding a lovely dog who had tragically been abandoned in a bin.

Praising Alison's presenting of the programme, one viewer said: "Amazing job Alison, you're doing great," whilst another said: "I thought Alison was excellent tonight, great show." Another viewer tagged Alison directly and wrote: "Lovely show, thank you for highlighting the need to home rescue dogs and for continuing Paul's legacy."

"Thanks Alison, you did Paul proud," said another viewer, whilst a fellow show fan agreed: "Thought you were absolutely amazing tonight. Paul would be so proud! Can't wait until next week."

"Brilliant she was," said another viewer, whilst another said: "Loved tonight's episode, Alison Hammond smashed it."

"I think Paul O'Grady would be very pleased that the programme has continued so it can highlight the work done at Battersea," added another viewer. "Alison Hammond is doing a great job and deserves to be given a chance to make it her own," said another, whilst another fan commented: "Agree with it [the programme] continuing, well done Alison Hammond, a tough act to follow."

Unfortunately, not everyone liked Alison's approach to the programme.

"Dogs in animal shelters have anxiety and are fearful. They need calming energy people not a loud human that is clearly not on their wavelength. Alison Hammond is clearly not the right fit for this type of programme," said one viewer.

"Just couldn't stand it, turned off after 10 minutes. Those of us who are dog lovers can recognise other dog lovers and Alison Hammond obviously has no connection to or understanding of dogs," critiqued another. "The show is now about her and not about the dogs."

"Couldn't watch it, she's not the right person to do the show," said another viewer.

For The Love of Dogs continues on Tuesday, April 23 at 8pm on ITV

Get the best user experience with WalesOnline’s Premium app on Apple or Android