Amanda Holden is reportedly being tipped as the new host of For The Love of Dogs after Paul O'Grady's shocking death in March.
The Britain's Got Talent judge is reportedly the frontrunner to take over the late entertainer's beloved TV show, as Amanda is also an ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, where the show is based. Paul, who died in March at the age of 67, was known as an avid dog-lover and fronted the documentary series since 2012.
ITV bosses are reportedly reluctant to broach the subject given how closely associated Paul was with the beloved series. However, the rumours of his replacement have not been met well by fans of the show.
A TV insider told The Sun: “Execs just feel like it’s too soon to make firm plans about the series, as it’s barely been two months since he died. But the feeling at the home is that it’s what Paul would have wanted.
"After all, he cared deeply about the animals in Battersea. Amanda is the natural choice to take over the job, not just because she’s a seasoned presenter but because she also cares about the home and would do anything for them.”
Fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the TV speculation, but many weren't impressed. One penned: "Finding out Amanda Holden is apparently replacing Paul O’Grady on For The Love of Dogs has ruined my Tuesday."
A second added: "Ffs Amanda Holden going to do For The Love Of Dogs thats me not watching anymore then," while a third said: "I heard today that Amanda Holden is being lined up for the great late Paul O'Grady's show For the love of dogs! I won't be watching it then."
"Amanda Holden rumoured to replace Paul O’Grady on For The Love Of Dogs. Biggest downgrade in tv history," another ranted. A fifth tweeted: "Just read that Amanda Holden is set to take over presenting For The Love of Dogs .. Please, please, please NO! Not her! .. She is totally the wrong person .. It will be all about her, far too much a Diva."
This comes after Amanda faced huge backlash for her 'offensive' tribute to the late entertainer. Speaking on her radio show, she said: "Do you know what I loved about him? He was not woke in any way. He had massive opinions on everything, which I love people like that."
Fans of the late drag icon Lily Savage took issue with the statement as O'Grady spoke openly about his support for LGBTQ+ causes and anti-austerity work. Some took issue with the talent judge's comment, and questioned whether she knows the meaning of the term 'woke' in her description of Paul. The Collins Dictionary describes 'woke' as someone who is "very aware of social and political unfairness".
Some angry listeners took to Twitter to rant about the presenter's comment, as many questioned whether she even knew the LGBTQ+ trailblazer following the statement. One wrote: "When paying tribute to Paul O’Grady on during her Heart breakfast show, Amanda Holden said that he “didn’t have a woke bone in his body”, and I can’t work out whether she doesn’t know what woke means, or simply doesn’t know who Paul O’Grady is."
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