Paul O’Grady is back on our TV screens this Yuletide to spread a bit of festive cheer at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

The animal-loving presenter returns to the London rescue centre in Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs At Christmas, a special seasonal episode of his popular ITV series.

As well as making the holidays fun for their canine residents, the dedicated staff at Battersea do all they can to get as many of them as possible rehomed in time for Christmas.

Paul meets some of the adorable pooches hoping for a new home and hears some tear-jerking stories along the way.

There’s Graham, a cute labradoodle who could lose his teeth.

Paul also meets Phyllis, a withdrawn bichon frise suspected to be a victim of back street breeding.

The nervous state she’s in is heartbreaking – can Paul and the team help to rebuild her confidence?

Meanwhile Patty the parson’s terrier needs a complicated surgery as she has a large lump in her neck.

Paul supports her along the way and hopes she’ll get a loving new owner for Christmas after her ordeal.

Lively Chihuahua Billo could also require an operation on his knees, having been born with back-to-front kneecaps.

If he doesn’t have the surgery soon there’s a chance he might not be able to walk again. We really hope the little fella gets on okay.

Despite some sad stories, there’s also lots of joy at Battersea over the festive season.

Everyone at the centre falls in love with Bruno, a charming 11-week-old puppy hoping to be rehomed. Paul certainly seems smitten!

The presenter is also taken with bull mastiff Cookie. The cuddly gentle giant just wants some company and lots of love this Christmas.

Meet more of the adorable residents at Battersea in Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs At Christmas on ITV at 5.50pm on Christmas Day 2014.