ITV to remake Paul O’Grady’s series For The Love Of Dogs – with three A-listers in running as host
ITV is remaking Paul O’Grady’s hit series For the Love of Dogs with a new presenter, The Sun on Sunday can reveal.
The rescue show is in pre-production and bosses are considering dog lovers Ricky Gervais, Amanda Holden or Martin Clunes.
The series, made by Multistory Media with Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in South London, is set to start filming in the new year.
A source said: “It’s a heart-warming series which raised the profile of the charity and ITV plans to continue making it in Paul’s memory.”
Paul, who died from heart problems in March aged 67, made 11 series of For the Love of Dogs.
In the final series, which aired posthumously, Paul told viewers: “Life is full of unknown twists and turns. So it’s always best to expect the unexpected.”
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ITV declined to comment.
After Paul's death, The Sun revealed that a front- runner for the job was Amanda Holden, who was a pal of the late entertainer and also an ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home where the show is based.
But it was a sensitive issue given how closely Lily Savage star Paul was associated with the series — and ITV were reluctant to broach the subject as the pain of his death felt too raw.
A TV insider said: "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.”
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This week it was also revealed that Battersea Dogs and Cats Home is to name its veterinary hospital in honour of Paul.
He was an ambassador for the charity.
After his death, it set up a “tribute fund” which has raised £480,000.
Most of the cash will be spent on “life-saving and transformative medical procedures” for pets.
And five other animal charities close to the entertainer’s heart will also get £20,000 each.