Amanda Holden is tipped to replace the late Paul O'Grady on his show For the Love of Dogs following his death, it has been reported. Famous dog lover Paul suddenly passed away on March 28 at his Kent home, aged 67, sparking an outpouring of grief across the nation.
Paul and Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda, 52, were close friends prior to the much-loved star's untimely passing. A few months on, the Heart Radio presenter has been linked to her late pal's role on the reality documentary series, which first aired on ITV back in September 2012.
An insider told The Sun: "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.
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"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 a seasoned presenter but because she also cares about the home and would do anything for them."
Following Paul's death from sudden cardiac arrhythmia earlier this year, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has been left "overwhelmed and touched" by the £100,000 in donations it has received from members of the public. "We have been overwhelmed and touched by the countless letters, calls, emails and messages of support along with the generous donations made by kind members of the public this week," said Peter Laurie, the charity’s chief executive.
"We will be looking to find a suitably fitting way to remember the profound impact Paul had at Battersea and the rescue animal sector, something that will support the animals that Paul loved so much and that would make him proud."
Peter previously told PA Media news agency that Paul was a "genuine animal lover" and that his "real legacy" was how he demonstrated to both the British public and an international audience how "lovable and incredible" rescue dogs are, inspiring those watching to rehome them. Shortly after his death, Paul posthumously returned for the final ever series of "For the Love of Dogs", which had fans in tears as he said goodbye to a dog that he had helped nurse back to health, made more poignant by his unexpected passing.
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