The show started with a touching nod to the late presenter

ALISON Hammond made her official debut on For The Love Of Dogs tonight.

The This Morning presenter took the leash of the factual show following the sad passing of Paul O’Grady in March last year.

Alison Hammond took over presenting duties of For the Love of DogsCredit: ITV

Viewers were in tears at the touching tribute to the late host Paul O’GradyCredit: ITV

Fans couldn’t help but get emotional as they remembered the starCredit: ITV

But ITV viewers were in tears as the new instalment made sure to pay a touching tribute to the legendary host.

At the very start of the show – now fronted by Alison Hammond – the opening montage included an emotional nod to the late star.

Fans were left in bits as the camera showed an adorable Pomeranian looking up at a moving monument dedicated to Paul.

The memorial plaque read: “In loving memory of our beloved ambassador.

“Paul O’Grady MBE 1955 – 2023.”

Viewers flocked to social media in their droves as they couldn’t help but think of the star as they rushed to pay tribute.

Many fans also praised the former Big Brother personality for her hosting skills, saying Paul would be “proud.”

Writing on X – formerly known as Twitter – one viewer wrote: “Not me already welling up in the opening seconds of #ForTheLoveOfDogs seeing that monument to Paul 😭.”

A second noted: “Glad they’ve managed to keep this programme going, obviously will never be the same without Paul but Alison is doing a great job. Those dogs need this show 🥺.”

“I’m already emotional watching this without Paul 😢😢,” gushed a third fan.

As a fourth stated: “Thinking of Paul O’Grady 💖 🐶🐕.”

This was as a fifth user commented: “Awww nobody can replace our Paul o’Grady but seeing @AlisonHammond cares and loves the dogs as much he did is a breath of fresh air 🤍 #fortheloveofdogs #pogdogs.”

“Im loving the fabulous @AlisonHammond on #ForTheLoveOfDogs you are doing Paul O’Grady very proud❤❤ The dogs are absolutely adorable😍🥺🐶 xxx,” commented a sixth.

And a seventh fan added: “I miss paul o’grady so much 😥💕 #fortheloveofdogs.”

The show initially followed the Paul as he visited the staff and the four legged pups of the world renowned Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

The star previously left half a million pounds to the famous rescue centre in his will, as well as £125k for the care of his five pet dogs.

He left a total of £775,000 to organisations close to his heart, which included £50,000 in donations to elephant and orangutan charities.

Many viewers praised Alison as they said Paul ‘would be proud’Credit: ITV

Paul was known for his utter love and devotion to dogsCredit: PA

The show originally followed Paul as he visited the staff and four legged pups of Battersea Dogs & Cats HomeCredit: Instagram