star is reported to be taking over hosting the late Paul O’Grady’s series’ For the Love of Dogs.
From 2012 until last year, the reality documentary television show set at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home followed the members of staff and the animals in their care.
In each episode, O’Grady would meet a few of the who come to Battersea as strays or because their owners couldn’t look after them anymore, before f.
But after 11 seasons, it aged 67 last March.
However, ITV is reported to be planning to , with Alison at the helm.
She is said to be considered the ‘perfect custodian’ of the programme.
‘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,’ a source told .
Previous names mentioned to be in the running were comedian Ricky Gervais, 62, TV and radio presenter Amanda Holden, 52, and actor Martin Clunes, 62.
However, Ricky quickly ruled himself out and said: ‘It’s true I was asked but I said no, I’m afraid. Just too busy.’
One of the current co-hosts on This Morning, last year Alison also joined the Channel 4 series The Great British Bake Off.
The source added: ‘Alison would be a great signing… and as her ever-expanding portfolio of shows demonstrates, capable of putting her hand to anything.’
O’Grady had a close connection with the rescue centre in South London and adopted several dogs from there including mongrels Arfur and Nancy, shih-tzu Boycie, chihuahua/Jack Russell cross Eddie and a dachshund called Sausage.
Although scheduled to initially film at the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home for six days, he stayed as a volunteer for six months.
At the end of the first season, he was invited to become an ambassador for the home.
Following his death Battersea and set up a tribute fund that raised £480,000.
Some £100,000 of the fund was set to be distributed to five other animal charities that were close to the entertainer’s heart, each getting £20,000.
Metro.co.uk has contacted ITV for comment.
This Morning airs weekdays from 9am on ITV1. For The Love of Dogs is streaming on ITVX.
