Hammond took over from the beloved Paul O'Grady, stepping into a role that was difficult to fill.
Despite initial concerns, her warm and infectious personality has won over viewers, and ITV has decided to renew her contract.
A successful transition
Alison Hammond's transition into the role left by Paul O'Grady was met with both excitement and apprehension. Although some viewers felt O'Grady's presence could never be replaced, ITV executives were pleased with Hammond's heartfelt connection to the animals and the overall positive reception from the audience.
Although the viewership dipped slightly, with Hammond's April episode averaging 1.84 million viewers, ITV believes she brought a fresh charm to the series that resonates with the show's spirit.
Looking forward to 2025
Despite rumours of her potential departure, ITV has confirmed that Alison Hammond will return to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home for the next series, set to air in the first half of 2025. Both Hammond and ITV are excited about the future, with insiders revealing that it was an easy decision to bring her back. Fans of the show can look forward to more heartwarming stories of rescue dogs with Hammond at the helm.
What do you think of ITV's choice to keep Alison Hammond on board?
