Peter Purves is returning to Crufts, just months after he was axed by Channel 4.
The former ‘Blue Peter’ host had been part of the broadcaster’s coverage of the annual dog show for 41 years, and now he’s teaming up with pet joint supplement brand YuMOVE for a new daily programme, including segments on Twitter and Facebook Live.
He wrote on Twitter: "As one door closes, another one opens. I’m thrilled to be joining the YuMOVE, @LintbellsPet, team. I’ll be heading to @Crufts to create videos and I’ll be lending my voice to a campaign that keeps older dogs active. I can’t wait to get started.(sic)"
The brand’s campaign manager Gemma Cunningham – who is teaming up with Purves on the Life In The Old Dog Yet campaign – said the presenter was a "perfect" match.
She added: "YuMOVE’s mission is to help keep dogs active for life, and in Peter we’ve found the perfect voice to help encourage this movement. We’re delighted that he has joined the team."
The 81-year-old star revealed in December he had been cut from the line-up as Channel 4 looked to shake things up, and he admitted he was "very hurt" by the decision.
He said at the time: "I got a phone call saying, ‘There is no easy way to say this but actually you’re surplus to requirements, we don’t need you.’
"I was stunned actually, there hadn’t been a hint about it, not a hint last year at the show. This would be my 42nd year at the show. I just feel it’s part of my life, so I was very shocked, I was very hurt."
Peter Purves returning to Crufts
