For the Love Of Dogs viewers call for Tom Hardy to replace late Paul O'Grady

For the Love of Dogs fans are flocking to social media to call for Tom Hardy to step up to Paul O'Grady's position.

Paul O' Grady remains much-loved for his work as a comedian, actor, writer, drag queen and broadcaster, but one of his most cherished roles is when he presented Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs.

No one will ever replace O'Grady, but if there was another man suitable for the job, fans of the ITV series believe it's none other than Dark Knight actor Tom Hardy.

O'Grady sadly passed away earlier this year on 28 March at the age of 67 years old.

His husband, Andre Portasio, shared the news on social media, writing: "We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.

"He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion. I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years."

O'Grady's death came as a shock to fans, who flooded to social media to pay tribute to the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home ambassador.

At the time of O'Grady's passing, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home's chief executive Peter Laurie said in a statement: "Battersea will forever remember Paul as a devoted animal lover with the biggest heart, who fell head over heels in love with every dog he met at our centres.

Getty Images/ Danny Martindale/ WireImage

"Paul will always be associated with Battersea and we are truly saddened to have lost such a true friend and huge part of our charity."

But the multi-award winning series still needs a presenter and the animals at the rescue centre still need championing, so fans of the show have since flocked to Facebook to suggest who they think could step up to the job of presenting For the Love of Dogs.

While noting there will 'never be anyone as amazing as Paul O'Grady,' many fans were quick to suggest Hardy for the role - Hardy not only a famous actor but outspoken dog lover.

One Facebook user said: "Tom Hardy would be great."

"He would, he goes often to cuddle the dogs," another added.

And a final resolved: "No-one will ever be as good as Paul O'Grady but I agree the show must go on. Good luck in finding a replacement you got big boots to fill."

Indeed, Hardy - who thinks he'd be a mongrel if he was a dog - is already very involved at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

He's not only an ambassador like O'Grady, but has already appeared on For the Love of Dogs before too, O'Grady a friend of his - the pair bonding over their love for dogs.

Martin Clunes and Julian Clary were also suggested by fans of the show, so we'll have to wait and see.

But, hey, Tom, what does your calendar look like?

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677