FOR THE LOVE OF DOGS 'SET TO CONTINUE' ON ITV AFTER PAUL O'GRADY'S DEATH

ITV are reportedly preparing to continue the For The Love Of Dogs series in 2024 with a new presenter following the death of Paul O'Grady last year.

Last Autumn, it was reported by The Sun that presenters in the frame included Martin Clunes, Amanda Holden and Ricky Gervais. Now, The Mirror reports that This Morning's Alison Hammond is in 'advanced talks' to take over the series.

A source told the publication: "“Paul is obviously irreplaceable but they believe that not only does Alison bring some of Paul’s trademark self-deprecating humour to proceedings, but that she can also make it her own, just as Paul did."

Last Summer, ITV announced a two-part series which followed the late Paul O’Grady as he travels through Thailand and Laos to celebrate the work done by elephant conservation centres to rescue, rehabilitate and protect these most majestic, but vulnerable, of animals.

Thailand has the largest number of elephant rescue centres in the world while Laos is nicknamed the ‘land of a million elephants’, and each episode sees Paul travel across the region to roll up his sleeves and muck in to help out at a different rescue centre.

Along the way, Paul also heads out from the sanctuaries to grab a slice of local life by exploring nearby colourful markets, temples, apothecaries and sampling the local cuisine.

Each episode highlights a particular challenge faced by elephants in the region and - as ever - Paul’s love for animals shines throughout the series. The tone is warm, playful and heartfelt and always characterised by his much-loved wit and humour

For The Love Of Dogs is available on ITVX.

ITV declined to comment on speculative reports.