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By JODY THOMPSON

Ruff justice: Holly Willoughby finally gets her dog - even if only for the day


Holly Willoughby was left (dog) bowled over on today's This Morning when stand-in co-host Ben Shephard made her dream of being a proud pooch owner come true - for one day only.

Holly, 29, had previously whined at Phillip Schofield that she'd wanted a show dog - just like on Blue Peter - but he'd slapped her down saying it was 'impractical'.

But with Phillip away in Australia covering I'm A Celebrity for the show, stand-in host Ben Shepard decide to fix it for Holly to have a puppy for one day only, Jimmy Saville-style.


Furry fan: Holly and Ben Shephard make a fuss of Douglas on the This Morning set


During yesterday's look at the snow pictures that were sent in by This Morning viewers, Holly fell in love with a nine week old Labrador puppy called Dougal.

So as a surprise - and briefed by 35-year-old Ben - producers contacted the viewer and invited them to bring their puppy on show today.

Holly whimpered live on the show as desperately cute Douglas made his entrance: 'This is so amazing, I think I'm actually going to cry! I know I can't keep him forever - but it's the best ever 'show present' I've ever had.

'I love him already - it's the best thing that's ever happened on this show!'


Got it licked: Ben gets a slobbery kiss as show guest Joanna Page from Gavin and Stacey and Holly look on delighted


Canine cuddle: Funnyman Ricky Gervais - who's a big fan of animals - gets a hug from adorable Douglas


Guest Ricky Gervais also appreciated a canine companion on the show, so perhaps Phillip when change his mind about a This Morning dog when he returns from Oz.

Phil, 48, and Holly had their first argument on the show in September over whether to get a dog.

Holly said they could share custody of the pet during holidays, but her co-host insisted: 'I don't want it! That's the thing - I don't want a dog!'

But Holly hit back: 'Well I do! Let's not have our first row.'

However, after a day on set, Douglas went home with his owners, his starring role on This Morning over - so Phil will find it happily dog free when he returns from Down Under.


On the couch: Holly loved having Douglas on the show


And after her dog for a day today, Holly's morning got even better when Ben also presented her with the TV Times Award for Favourite Programme for This Morning.

On receiving the award, Holly said, 'Thank you so much - and I know Phil if he was here he would want to say thank you as well because it is voted for by the viewers...and actually it's the first award the show has won since Phil and I have presented together so it's extra special.'

Holly, who's married to TV producer David Baldwin and pregnant with her second child, started co-presenting This Morning in September last year.




source: dailymail