A Great British Bark Off
THE success of The Great British Bake Off has inspired a new reality show for dog trainers.
You And Your Dog is set to air on BBC Two later this year after being commissioned by executives.
And Springwatch presenter Chris Packham, 55, has signed up to front the three-part series.
He told the Daily Star Sunday: “It’s a competition show that will have a similar style to Bake Off, only with dogs.
“We have people come in and bring their pet dogs. And they’re all competing.
“We set them challenges to achieve, so they had to train their dogs to do certain things as well as train themselves.” After losing Bake Off to Channel 4 earlier this year, BBC bosses are hoping You And Your Dog will be a major hit.
Chris added: “It has a bit of science to it as well because some of the challenges are about how someone can train their dog.
“We’ll take the viewer through that process.”
In recent years Bake Off has inspired shows including The Great British Pottery Throw Down and The Great British Sewing Bee.
They both proved popular with fans and pulled in strong ratings.
The new programme’s host is known to fans for working on shows such as The Really Wild Show and Nature’s Weirdest Events.
But Chris loved fronting the contest.
He said: “It was an emotional rollercoaster to say the least. But it was fantastic. I really enjoyed doing it.” Chris last week attended the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s Collars & Coats Gala Ball.
And he added: “I have two dogs of my own and I’m very passionate about them.
“Despite the fact we call ourselves a nation of dog lovers, we still do pretty badly when it comes to looking after them.”
To find out more information about the rescue centre visit battersea.org.uk.