Amanda Holden is reportedly being lined up to replace Paul O’Grady on his show For The Love Of Dogs following the untimely death of the beloved broadcaster.
The comedian, who passed away suddenly earlier this year, had fronted the documentary series since 2012.
He was an avid animal-lover and an ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, where the show is based.
And while TV execs are in no rush to re-start filming the series, The Sun reports it is Britain’s Got Talent star Holden, 52, who is the favourite to take over when the show begins again.
Holden was a friend of O’Grady and is also an ambassador for the animal shelter.
According to The Sun, Holden is the “natural choice”.
A source said: “Execs just feel like it’s too soon to make firm plans about the series, as it’s barely been two months since he died.
“But the feeling at the home is that it’s what Paul would have wanted. After all, he cared deeply about the animals in Battersea.
“Amanda is the natural choice to take over the job, not just because she’s an experienced presenter but because she also cares about the home and would do anything for them.”
Earlier this year, fans were left in tears as they watched the late star on his final season of For The Love Of Dogs.
O’Grady filmed the last season late last year – but the new series was only released after his death.
The beloved star’s return to TV left many at home emotional.
One wrote on Twitter: “This series is gonna be a difficult watch – we’ll sure miss Paul O’Grady, one of the good guys.”
“Still tears in my eyes watching Paul O’Grady but [I’m] so enjoy[ing] the programme,” another penned.
A third added: “Paul O’Grady... absolutely crying.”
It comes as O’Grady was among a host of famous faces to appear in a special short film to mark the opening of the Eurovision Song Contest and welcome the world to Liverpool where it was hosted.
The late comedian and TV stalwart, originally from Birkenhead, Merseyside, took part in the film to show his pride in his home region.
The project was one of the last things O’Grady filmed before his death, and his posthumous appearance was approved by his family and friends.
