DogCast Radio
Home Episodes Articles Blog Breed profiles Book reviews Photos Contact

Battersea’s Paul O’Grady TV series wins National Television Award

The primetime ITV series about Battersea, Paul O’Grady. For The Love of Dogs, scooped the Best Factual Entertainment Award at last night’s prestigious National Television Awards, broadcast live on ITV.

The series, based at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, captured the hearts of the nation with its unforgettable and emotional tales of dogs searching for a second chance in life.

Thanks to a massive UK response in a public vote, for one of the most important nights in recognition of British television, the popular Battersea programme beat off the likes of Top Gear, The Apprentice and The Great British Bake Off.

As he accepted the award on stage at London’s O2 Arena, Paul O’Grady said:
"I would really like to thank everyone who watched the show and voted for it and of course the staff and volunteers at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home - and let's not forget all those four-legged dogs, as well as the three-legged ones!"

The seven-part series broadcast last autumn, with a prime time Christmas Day Special added into the competitive festive schedules, took millions of viewers on a journey behind the scenes at Battersea. Each week Paul followed the joyous, challenging and sometimes heart-breaking stories of some of the 6,000 dogs who arrive at the world-famous animal rescue centre each year.

Battersea Chief Executive Claire Horton said: “Everyone at Battersea is ecstatic that Paul’s series has won such a prestigious award and I’d like to thank everyone who voted. We’ve always known Battersea holds a special place in people’s hearts and this award reinforces the love people have for us and most importantly the animals we care so much for. Paul is now a Battersea Ambassador and his warmth, humour and support made millions of TV viewers feel part of each dog’s story.”

Overnight, Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond tweeted his congratulations to Paul O’Grady, admitting his animal-loving daughters were delighted with the result and British Bake Off finalist James Morton graciously acknowledged that “dogs are cuter than cakes!”

During the series Paul fell in love with every Battersea dog he met, not least Carmine the Boxer who he tried to “smuggle out” by every means possible. And it was a homeless Chihuahua cross puppy, part of a litter born at Battersea by caesarean section, who won his heart and Eddie now lives with Paul and his other dogs Olga, Louis and Bullseye.

Sharing

273 - dog parkour and dog news discussion

Dog trainer Emma Hendy explains how Dog Parkour can help your bond with your dog, and give you both a new mindset. Julie gives her opinion on some dog news stories which caught her attention.

189 - The Dog Healers and War Dogs Remembered

In this episode you can hear Mark Winik talk about his debut novel, The Dog Healers, and listen to Julia Robertson explain why she founded the charity War Dogs remembered. Plus there's the DogCast Radio News, and what Mischief the German Spitz puppy has been up to.

188 - Service Dogs UK and Roxie the Doxie Finds Her Forever Home

In this episode you can hear about Service Dogs UK, a fantastic charity which trains assistance dogs to support veterans of any service - military personnel, police, firefighters, paramedics and the coastguard - who develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to their job. Also, listen to Dr Jody A Dean, a clinical psychologist talk about how her book, Roxie the Doxie finds her Forever Home, is helping children understand and talk about adoption and other family issues. Plus the DogCast Radio News and some thoughts on the alpha dog myth.

187 - Muffins Halo and Chorley Fun Dog Show

In this episode you can hear about Muffin's Halo for Blind Dogs, and what motivates people to enter their dog in a fun dog show. In the DogCast Radio News, listen to stories about the latest dog related research. Plus there's a new member of the DogCast Radio team!

186 - Maxwell Muir on wolves

In this episode you can hear trainer, behaviourist, writer, broadcaster and wolf expert Maxwell Muir talk about what wolves mean to him personally, their plight in a modern world, and his hopes for their future. Plus we have the DogCast Radio News.