Reality TV favourite Pete Wicks is reportedly set to return to our screens with a second series of his heartfelt show For Dogs’ Sake on U&W, following the success of its initial four-episode run earlier this year. The news has reignited a passionate discussion among fans of dog rescue television, especially in light of ongoing criticism directed at Alison Hammond, who currently hosts ITV’s long-running series For The Love of Dogs.
Wicks, best known for his time on The Only Way is Essex, has surprised many with his transition from Essex heartthrob to compassionate canine advocate. In For Dogs’ Sake, the 37-year-old worked alongside staff and volunteers at the Dogs Trust rehoming centre in Basildon, Essex. The show offered an emotional, behind-the-scenes look at the work involved in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abandoned dogs — and Pete’s gentle, genuine approach quickly won over viewers.
According to The Sun, TV bosses were so impressed with the reception to the first series that they’ve already greenlit a second. A source told the outlet:
“The show got a great reception when it aired earlier this year. And not just because Pete was still basking in the afterglow of Strictly. Many viewers compared For Dogs’ Sake to For The Love Of Dogs, and said he was a worthy successor to the late, great Paul O’Grady.”
Paul O’Grady, an undisputed legend of British TV, was deeply loved for his 11-season stint on For The Love of Dogs. His warm personality and lifelong passion for animals made the show not only a ratings hit but a staple of UK culture. When he passed away in March 2023, fans mourned not only the man, but the unique energy and tenderness he brought to the screen.
ITV’s decision to continue the programme with This Morning star Alison Hammond as presenter was met with mixed responses. While some praised the network for choosing a familiar and enthusiastic face, others felt Alison lacked the emotional depth and sensitivity that Paul embodied so naturally. Social media backlash quickly followed, with critics accusing her of being too “lightweight” or “performative” for a show that relies heavily on empathy and sincerity.
Alison, never one to back down, hit back at the haters, suggesting:
“If you don’t want to watch, don’t watch.”
Her comment sparked further division, and online criticism has persisted since.
In contrast, Pete Wicks’ performance on For Dogs’ Sake has been almost universally praised. His interactions with both dogs and staff came across as heartfelt and genuine, surprising many who only knew him from his reality TV roots. As a result, some viewers have publicly declared he would have been a more fitting choice to replace O’Grady.
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), one user declared:
“You need a different host ASAP. Take a look at Pete Wicks on For Dogs’ Sake. He would’ve been perfect to take over from our darling Paul.”
Another commented:
“Surely someone like Pete Wicks would be a better host of For The Love Of Dogs. He gets it. He feels it.”
A third chimed in:
“The presenter should be Pete Wicks or the Crufts presenter Radzi Chinyanganya. Both of these are dynamic, talented presenters who love dogs. I’ve taken Alison’s advice from last season—she said: ‘If you don’t want to watch, don’t watch.’ Thanks Alison, I won’t watch!”
In an online poll run by Entertainment Daily!, a staggering 87% of readers voted in favour of Pete Wicks taking over For The Love of Dogs. The results suggest there is not only strong public support for Pete’s continued work in dog welfare programming, but also growing dissatisfaction with the current direction of the ITV version.
Adding to the intrigue, an unnamed TV insider reportedly said:
“It will be interesting news for ITV, as it has just launched a second series of For The Love Of Dogs under new host Alison Hammond.”
Although For Dogs’ Sake airs on a different network, U&W, the comparisons between the two shows—and their presenters—are now unavoidable. With Pete’s second season in the works and fan enthusiasm building, many are wondering if ITV missed an opportunity to appoint him as Paul O’Grady’s rightful successor.
As of now, no official statements have been made by either ITV or Pete Wicks’ representatives regarding the speculation. Still, one thing is clear: in the eyes of the public, Pete Wicks has proven himself to be more than just a reality star. He’s emerged as a sensitive, passionate advocate for dogs in need—and for many, that’s exactly what the genre calls for.
Whether or not Pete ever takes the reins of For The Love of Dogs, his continued presence on For Dogs’ Sake shows that there’s room for multiple shows—and presenters—dedicated to the important mission of helping animals find loving homes.
With his growing fanbase, authentic on-screen energy, and unwavering support for animal rescue work, Pete Wicks might just be at the beginning of an entirely new chapter in his television career.