BARKING UP THE RIGHT TREE

The iconic show has a new presenter

FOR THE LOVE OF DOGS WITH ALISON HAMMOND TUESDAY, UTV, 11.10PM

FOR 11 years, the much-loved and much-missed Paul O’Grady was the face of this series. During that period, he helped rehome hundreds of dogs, populising the idea of ‘adopt not shop’ along the way. Some thought the show would end with his untimely death last year, but its makers, recognising the importance of its message, decided to find a new presenter.

You imagine it was a gig with quite a few applicants, but it’s hard to think of anyone bringing as much compassion and joie de vivre to the role as Alison Hammond.

She’s heading down to the famous Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to take charge of the 12th series this week, and realises that she has some very big shoes to fill: “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, adds: “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 while continuing to showcase the wonderful and important work done by the incredible team at Battersea.”

Alison rolls her sleeves up and gets stuck in, and her first task is the stuff of dreams for dog-lovers – it involves caring for Oscar, a three-day-old puppy who was found in a bin.

“This is the best day of my life,” she grins. “Honestly, it takes me back to when I was a mum feeding my baby. How you could ever throw this away?”

Other pooches featured are a spaniel-terrier cross that may have a future as a sniffer dog and a spaniel in need of a cuddle before having an operation.

We’re sure Paul would approve.