Following the success of Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake, a huge 87% of ED! readers told us they wanted the one-time TOWIE star to take over from Alison Hammond as host of For The Love Of Dogs.

Earlier this year, Pete’s passion project was released on satellite channel U. It went down a storm with dog-loving viewers, with many seeing a striking resemblance between Pete and the late Paul O’Grady.

Many also said they noticed similarities in the compassion Pete showed for the animals featured on the show. And they’re now eyeing the Dogs’ Trust ambassador as the new host of ITV’s For The Love Of Dogs.

Pete Wicks shows a compassion similar to late star Paul, according to fans (Credit: YouTube)

Pete Wicks eyed to host For The Love Of Dogs

Alison Hammond was announced as the host of the series following the sudden death of much-loved personality Paul.

However, many viewers admitted that they didn’t immediately warm to her. Paul was always going to be a hard act to follow, though, something Alison herself has addressed.

Ahead of the second series of For The Love Of Dogs fronted by Alison, we asked ED! readers if they’d like Alison to stay on as host or be replaced by Pete, the results are in. And it’s fair to say it was a pretty landslide verdict for Pete.

‘He reminded me of Paul O’Grady’

We asked our readers: “Should Pete Wicks replace Alison Hammond on For The Love Of Dogs after the success of his TV show For Dogs’ Sake?”

Almost 1,500 people responded to our poll.

He reminded me so much of Paul O’Grady.

A whopping 87% shared that they would love to see Pete as the host of the ITV show. They answered: “Yes – he showed such care and compassion and reminded me so much of Paul O’Grady.”

Meanwhile, 13% said they’d like to see Alison remain on the show, admitting they enjoy seeing a “more relaxed, gentle side” to the usually flamboyant star.

Paul O’Grady was known for his love of dogs (Credit: ITV)

‘Big risk’

The new series of the show started on ITV1 tonight (April 1), with Alison at the helm.

Last summer, a source told The Sun why Alison won the role. They said: “It was a big risk continuing the show without Paul who obviously cannot be replaced, but Alison’s warmth and infectious personality shone through. It was a no-brainer to commission the series for another run and Alison is also delighted to be going back to Battersea.”

Fan-favourite Alison does have her backers, though. “We shall be watching,” said one fan on her Instagram. Another admitted: “Didn’t think it would work Alison doing this but it sure does. Well done in keeping the show alive.”