Pete Wicks has referred to Alison Hammond as his “enemy” as their duelling dog shows gear up to film again.
The former Strictly Come Dancing star, 37, is set to return for a fourth series of Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake, the U&W programme that follows him volunteering at Dogs Trust rehoming centres.
Speaking on his Staying Relevant podcast with close friend Sam Thompson, Wicks joked about Hammond fronting a rival show.
“I start filming for series four in two weeks’ time, and Battersea are currently filming with Alison Hammond for For the Love of Dogs, my enemy in the TV world,” he said. “But it just goes to show how amazing these charities are.”
Despite the tongue-in-cheek remark, both presenters have become leading advocates for rescue dogs through their respective series.
Hammond took over ITV’s For the Love of Dogs in 2024 following the death of longtime host Paul O’Grady, who fronted the show for more than a decade. Since stepping into the role, the This Morning presenter has hosted two series filmed at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, showcasing the journeys of abandoned dogs as they are cared for and rehomed.
Announcing the programme’s return last month, she said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be heading back to Battersea. My heart was truly stolen by the brave pups I met last time and I’ve been itching to get back, roll up my sleeves, and help these gorgeous animals find the love they deserve.”
Wicks’ own series has proved a breakout success, offering a softer side to the reality TV personality as he works hands-on with rescue dogs. The show has already aired three series in just over a year and has had a noticeable impact.
Dogs Trust reported its busiest ever month for adoption requests during the latest series, alongside a 20 per cent increase in donations.
Wicks’ work with animals is being recognised in other ways too, with a new dog walking trail at Weald Country Park in Essex named in his honour as part of his role as a Dogs Trust Basildon ambassador.
Weald Country Park has long been a family favourite, known for its wide open spaces, deer herd and popular Stick Man trail.
The Pete Wicks Dog Walking Trail was officially launched on April 2. Further dog walking trails will be opened at Explore Essex country parks across the county from late Spring onwards
Reacting to the tribute, he said: “One thing I didn’t have on my bingo card this year was having an Explore Essex dog walking trail named after me. That said, I am grateful to see the brilliant work of rescue centres and their volunteers being recognised in this way.”
