Alison Hammond's For the Love of Dogs revamp defended by ITV
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ITV has defended Alison Hammond's revamp of For the Love of Dogs following a backlash.
The presenter debuted as the new presenter of the series in April following the death of original host Paul O'Grady last year – though has faced a negative reaction from some viewers.
However, the broadcaster has now issued a statement, shutting down rumours that they are planning to drop the star from the series.
Related: This Morning's Alison Hammond confirms relationship status
"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," a spokesperson said (via The Sun).
"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," they added.
Related: Bake Off’s Alison Hammond faces hilarious struggle on way to set
Hammond herself recently reacted to cruel comments about her version of the show, telling The Sun's TV Mag: "I was actually surprised with how much I got for doing the show.
"I could understand in the sense that Paul was so loved, and people were saying: 'How can she do Love of Dogs when she doesn't have a dog? How does she love dogs when she doesn't have a dog?'
"It's like saying: 'How can you love children when you haven't got kids?'."
Related: Alison Hammond calls out nasty comment following Celebrity Bake Off
The star added: "If you don't want to watch it, don't watch it. That's what I would say to those trolls: 'Don't watch it then. If you don't want to help Battersea, don't watch it'.
"Trolls will be trolls and I'll still do what I do best, which is TV presenting and you'll see for yourself, I think it's authentic and I loved doing it.
"Trolls are trolls, it says more about them than it does me, really. I would never troll anybody, even if I thought it, I wouldn't go online and put it down."
For the Love of Dogs airs on ITV1 and ITVX.
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