DOGS Trust in Basildon has played a starring role in a new TV show fronted by broadcasting legend Clare Balding. 

For the last three weeks, the training barn of the Nevendon Road rehoming centre has transformed into a TV studio for Live: Lost Dogs with Clare Balding on Channel 5.

The hour-long, warm-hearted three-part series sees the 52-year-old rally the support of the public to help reunite stray dogs, who have come into the care of the charity, with their owners.

Echo: Presenter - Clare BaldingPresenter - Clare Balding (Image: Publicity shot)

Echo: Set - Volunteers on the set of Channel 5's Live: Lost Dogs with Clare BaldingSet - Volunteers on the set of Channel 5's Live: Lost Dogs with Clare Balding (Image: Dogs Trust Basildon)

This includes Lilly, a Belgium Malinois who arrived at Dogs Trust Basildon seven weeks ago as an unclaimed stray.

She is now looking for a new family to welcome her into their home.

Echo: Resident - Lilly at Dogs Trust BasildonResident - Lilly at Dogs Trust Basildon (Image: Dogs Trust Basildon)

The show has also celebrated the love we have for our furry friends.

Kelly McMaster, rehoming centre manager at Dogs Trust Basildon, said: “As a rehoming centre caring for thousands of dogs every year, we’re used to the unexpected here at Dogs Trust Basildon. 

“But playing host to a live TV show has been a completely new and unique experience for us.

“It’s been incredible to see our training barn transformed into a TV set, and to see behind the scenes of a TV show like this.

“We hope that some of the dogs featured on the programme go on to be reunited with their owners, and that the unclaimed stray dogs in our care, including the lovely Lilly, go on to find their new, forever families.”

Since hitting screens, Clare has been joined by many star-studded guests, including ITV’s Good Morning Britain and Lorraine’s resident doctor Amir Khan, who has been offering insights into how key it is to bond with a new puppy.

The training barn was decked with bright lights, giant cameras, autocues and completed with a comfy red sofa.

Channel 5 commissioned BBC Studios to create the programme.

To catch up on all three episodes of Live: Lost Dogs with Clare Balding, visit My5. 

To find out more information about some of the dogs being cared for by Dogs Trust Basildon, click here.