ITV defends remake of Alison Hammond’s “For the Love of Dogs”

ITV has defended Alison Hammond’s revival of For the Love of Dogs following heated backlash.

The presenter debuted as the show’s new host in April after original host Paul O’Grady died last year – but received negative reactions from some viewers.

However, in a statement now published by the broadcaster, the rumors that the star would be excluded from the series were contradicted.

Related: This Morning’s Alison Hammond confirms relationship status

“Any suggestion that there have been any discussions at a decision-making level within ITV or between the production team and Battersea about the future of Alison’s role in ‘For the Love of Dogs’ is unfounded,” a spokesperson said (via The Sun).

“This new series is well into its run and standard practice means that no meaningful assessment of future plans can be made at this time.

“Everyone is really pleased with how Alison has brought her warmth and enthusiasm to the show and we hope viewers continue to enjoy it next month on ITV1 and ITVX,” they added.

Related: Bake Off’s Alison Hammond has hilarious fight on the way to set

Hammond herself recently responded to cruel comments about her version of the show, telling The Sun’s TV Mag: “I was actually surprised at how much I got paid for the show.”

“I could understand it because Paul was so popular and people said, ‘How can she do Love of Dogs if she doesn’t have a dog? How can she love dogs if she doesn’t have a dog?’

“That’s like saying, ‘How can you love children when you don’t have any?'”

Related: Alison Hammond criticises nasty comment after Celebrity Bake Off

The star added: “If you don’t want to see it, don’t watch it. That’s what I would say to those trolls: ‘Then don’t watch it. If you don’t want to help Battersea, don’t watch it.’

“Trolls will be trolls and I will continue to do what I do best, which is presenting television. You will see for yourself that I think it is authentic and I loved doing it.”

“Trolls are trolls, that actually says more about them than it does about me. I would never troll anyone even if I thought it. I wouldn’t go online and write it down.”

“For the Love of Dogs” airs on ITV1 and ITVX.

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