Stars back a worthy Claus with festive shows to raise cash for animal charities
‘TIS the season for giving – and Channel 5 is starting us off with the return of its popular Help The Animals appeal.
Back for a second consecutive run, the initiative – which will launch a week of special programming – last year raised more than £800,000 towards funding and awareness of UK animal welfare charities, including the vital work carried out by the RSPCA, Scottish SPCA, Blue Cross, The Donkey Sanctuary and Wildlife Aid Foundation.
This year the broadcaster hopes to do the same with another stellar line-up of Channel 5 favourites.
From tales of rescuing to rehoming, each episode will be dedicated to one of five charities involved.
So what’s on the schedule?
Celebrity Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly will see dog trainer Graeme Hall lead three despairing celebrity dog owners – Denise Van Outen and her French Bulldog Tilly; world renowned opera singer Russell Watson with rescue Saluki Poppy; and former England striker Michael Owen with Staffordshire Terrier Ronnie – on a journey to tame their dogs whose behaviour has been far from star quality.
Meanwhile, Save The Hedgehogs follows presenter Steve Backshall (and features Only Fools and Horses’ John Challis) as he turns the spotlight on all the uplifting and positive things we can do to help these wonderful creatures.
Packed full of fantastic new clips, a cracker full of viral favourites and home visits to some of the show’s best ‘pet stars’, Funniest
Ever Pets at features reactions from some of the nation’s favourite animal loving comedians and celebrities including Shane Richie, Jo Brand, Susan Calman, Nina Wadia and Michelle Visage. There’s also a ‘Dogumentary’ called which showcases celebrities as we’ve never seen them before... filmed by their very own pooches! Yes, using state-of-the-art technology, the canine cameras (attached to the dogs via a harness) are there to get a bite of the action.
Expect to see the likes of Louie Spence, Danniella Westbrook and Caprice Bourret, among others, in their pet’s lens.
Last but by no means least are festive spin offs of The Yorkshire Vet, the hit documentary series that follows the work of vets Peter Wright and Julian Norton at their two practices in North Yorkshire.
While The Yorkshire Vet: 12 Days of Christmas pays homage to the classic Carol, as the duo care for all creatures great and small over the festive period, The Yorkshire Vet’s Donkey Day Out sees Peter take long-time friends and clients, Steve and Jean Green, on an adventure.
Peter adds: “At this time of year, it’s nice to be pushing [animals] to the forefront.” Julian concurs. “The charities that are involved are really worthwhile causes so it is nice to highlight more than one.” ●●For further details on how to donate and get involved please visit: channel5.com/ helptheanimals. Help The Animals will air between Monday, December 2 and Friday, December 6.