From The Secret Life of the Cat to Pedigree Pals: BBC One barks up the right tree with new Ronnie Corbett dog series

Ronnie Corbett at the Oldie of the Year Awards in London, February 2013. The 82-year-old comedian will return to BBC One this summer to present his own show Ronnie's Pedigree Pals (Getty Images)

Following the runaway ratings success of Horizon: The Secret Life of the Cat, the BBC has announced plans for another animal-themed show, Ronnie's Pedigree Pals, presented by Ronnie Corbett.

The remaining half of the Two Ronnies, Corbett -who last had his own show on BBC One 17 years ago- will follow dog breeders around the country as they enter their beloved canines in colourful shows, races and trials.

The six-part series, scheduled for broadcast this summer, promises to “feature pet owners whose animals have celebrity status, from diva dogs to pampered pigs…and reveal the lengths to which some people go to make their pets best in show.”

It seems the BBC has chewed over the success of similar shows on ITV, such as Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs, which has consistently achieved viewing figures of around 5 million. The mid-evening show follows the well-known comedian as he helps to rehome some of the unwanted dogs at Battersea Dogs & Cats home.

The BBC knows it is barking up the right tree as Ronnie's Pedigree Pals appears to borrow elements from the ITV format. It will follow rescue dog Baz as he adapts to life in the Corbett household.

Alison Kirkham, BBC commissioning editor, said: “It is fantastic to be able to welcome a true national treasure, Ronnie Corbett, back to BBC One. Ronnie combined with one of Britain’s favourite passions, pets, feels like a real treat.”