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ALISON Hammond has revealed the sweet message Julian Clary sent her after she was confirmed as Paul O'Grady's For the Love of Dog replacement.

This Morning host Alison, 48, was named as Paul's For the Love of Dogs successor earlier this week following his death last year.

Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock (14318126aj) Alison Hammond 'This Morning' TV show, London, UK - 26 Jan 2024
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Alison has revealed the sweet message she received from Julian Clary after being named as Paul O'Grady's For the Love of Dogs successorCredit: Shutterstock
Tuesday 30 January 2024: For Immediate Release ..Pictured: Alison Hammond meets the Battersea Team..(l-r) Nat Ingham Canine Behaviour Manager, Alison Hammond, Ali Taylor Battersea Head of Animal Behaviour and Becky Verne Rehoming Welfare Manager with Battersea Rescue Dogs Pip and Olive ..Photographer: Matt Crossick..(C) ITV . ...ITV announces Alison Hammond as presenter of new .‘For The Love of Dogs’ series ..Alison Hammond is preparing to dish out the dog treats and set tails wagging as she is announced as the new presenter of the award-winning ITV series, For The Love of Dogs...Alison will be heading to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to help the animals in their care look for a new place to live, following the sad passing of much-loved presenter Paul O’Grady last Spring. ..With more abandoned and stray dogs in need of care than ever, the six-part series will tell the stories of some of the latest arrivals at Battersea, as Alison rolls up her sleeves and helps Battersea’s expert staff and volunteers to take care of the animals and get them ready for their potential new owners...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 with Alison Hammond’ is commissioned for ITV1 and ITVX by Satmohan Panesar, Commissioning Editor and Sue Murphy, Head of Factual Entertainment ITV. For MultiStory Media, the Executive Producers are Ceri Aston and Elen Moore. ..Produced by MultiStory Media, part of ITV Studios, for ITV1, ITVX and STV. ITV Studios handles international distribution of the show..
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It was confirmed this week that Alison had landed the jobCredit: ITV
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Paul O'Grady (L) and Julian Clary pose in the winners room at The Olivier Awards 2017 at Royal Albert Hall on April 9, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
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But some fans insisted that Paul's friend Julian should have taken overCredit: Getty

Paul's close friend Julian, 64, was also thought to be in the running for the job but it seems there are no hard feelings between him and Alison.

During Friday's This Morning, she told co-host Dermot O'Leary that Julian had messaged her following the news.

She said Julian had told her: "Paul actually thought a lot of you. He would be so happy you got the job, as am I."

Alison also spoke about why she wanted to step into Paul's shoes, adding: "It’s a massive responsibility. I’ve always wanted a dog but you have to take it seriously.

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"I just want to make [Paul] proud."

Paul hosted For the Love of Dogs from 2012 until he passed away last year at 67.

Following the confirmation ITV faced some backlash, with one person wrote on social media: "Why is she on nearly every show going? She isn’t the only presenter. I’m fed up with hearing that loud, not very sincere voice on TV.”

And many others insisted Julian should have got the job, with another adding: "Sorry, but this is the wrong choice.

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"Julian Clary or someone who really loves dogs would be the better option.”

A third agreed: “What in insult. At least get Julian Clary or someone who values dogs and loved Paul.”

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