ANIMAL lover Gemma Atkinson - president of the Bleakholt sanctuary - is supporting another pioneering pets initiative.

The former Strictly Come Dancing star has teamed up with Radcliffe-based Blue Cross for The Petcast, a new podcast series.

Gemma's six-part serial. which launched on Tuesday, will see the actress talk about pets with a host of celebrity guests.

Hollyoaks' Gemma Merna will discuss integrating pets into the home, while Laura Tott, the waitress in First Dates, covers pet bereavement. Another programme will see the host chat about pets and wellbeing with Strictly pro dancer Karen Hauer.

Gemma said: "I have grown up with animals and now have two dogs myself - Ollie and Norman - so I know being a pet owner comes with a ton of fun but is not without its challenges and responsibilities.

"Becoming a mother very recently, I’ve also experienced what it’s like to introduce a baby into a home with pets – something that was very new to me, and also daunting because it was so important all my family members, including the furry ones, get along.

"I'm so excited to be hosting The Petcast, alongside Blue Cross, with the help of some amazing guests. I’m sure people will enjoy how much we delve into the fascinating, emotional and sometimes bizarre world of living with pets."

Other topics up for discussion include pets and lifestyles, healthy pets and pet heroes.

A Blue Cross spokesman added: "Animals enrich our lives in so many ways, yet sadly like people, some pet pairings don’t work out as planned – leading to many pets being given up for rehoming or abandoned each year. Touching upon dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, horses and more, The Petcast aims to empower pet owners with the information, tips and advice they need in order for everyone on two legs and four to live their best lives together."