ITV has responded to claims that Alison Hammond, the host of For The Love of Dogs, could be let go from her current role. The popular This Morning presenter became the successor to Paul O'Grady's in January this year and spearheaded her first series last month.
Addressing speculation on contract termination, an ITV spokesperson stated: "Any suggestion that conversations at the 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."
An insider had previously claimed that the casting hasn't worked as well as hoped, comments surfaced following rumours suggesting Alison "hasn't lived up to expectation".
"Unfortunately the casting has not worked out how the team behind the show hoped the Express reports. "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," they said.
"'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."
The 49-year-old was announced as Paul O'Grady's successor following his unexpected death in March last year aged 67. The ITV star has acknowledged previously that she will never be able to replace Paul, but said she was "excited" about the role.
She has also defended herself against critics who questioned why she was given the job, despite not having a dog unlike Paul, who rescued three. "I was actually surprised with how much I got for doing the show," she said addressing the backlash to The Sun.
"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? 'Alison said the argument was "flawed" and encouraged those speaking negatively against her not to watch the show.
