FUR THE GREATER GOOD
STEVE JONES, NOEL FITZPATRICK AND KATE QUILTON RETURN TO REHOME MORE ANIMALS…
Two years ago, Channel 4’s Animal Rescue Live beamed its way into our homes from a Newcastle shelter that, at the time, held 182 animals. Just 10 days after they’d left, every single one of those animals had been rehomed. Hoping for a similar success rate, the show returns this week from a new location – Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare in Lewes, East Sussex – and we caught up with hosts Noel Fitzpatrick, Steve Jones and Kate Quilton to find out what we can expect…
Noel was learning the ropes of live TV last time – what did you teach him?
Steve Any questions he asked, I gave an honest answer, to the best of my abilities.
Noel Steve and Kate were great – they’re the experts at this. I wouldn’t pretend to teach either one of them how to do surgery!
Kate Actually, we all became good friends.
Noel Yes, there was something magical when us three came together. It’s all part of what we were doing – a bit of magic, a lot of love, and finding animals a forever home. And here we go again!
Is it tough on a show like this not to get emotionally attached to the animals?
Kate Absolutely. I was hanging out with a dog called Louis all week in Newcastle – and if he hadn’t found a home by the Friday, he was coming back with me! But he did, with a local GP, so he stayed in the area.
What interesting things have you learned from doing the show so far?
Noel I went to see a Staffordshire bull terrier that works for the local police – I wasn’t aware how selective the force is at training the humans to train the dogs. Kate When you lift the lid on shelters up and down the country, you uncover this phenomenal army of volunteers; people who are giving up everything to look after these animals. Steve It’s important to highlight that there are some fantastic people out there, and we showcase them, too.