Bill Turnbull tribute to air on Classic FM pets programme on Guy Fawkes Night

Bill Turnbull hosted the programme before his death (Pictures: Mike Lawn / Shutterstock / Getty Images)

A tribute to the late Bill Turnbull will be played on Pet Classics on Guy Fawkes Night to help our four-legged friends cope with the celebrations.

Charlotte Hawkins will host the programme, following the death of the veteran BBC Breakfast broadcaster in September aged 66 following a battle with prostate cancer.

Hawkins temporarily took over the annual soothing music show Pet Sounds on Classic FM in 2021 from Turnbull, who last presented in 2019, due to his health, and will continue in the role this year.

Speaking about Bonfire Night, she said it can prove really stressful for pets, noting many owners wonder how to deal with it.

The host also added when people got in touch with the radio show last year, they told her the music had calmed down not only pet dogs, but tarantula, horses, cats, birds, and donkeys.

Speaking to PA news agency about taking over the show, Hawkins praised the former presenter for his dedication to his job.

Charlotte Hawkins is taking over the programme (Picture: S Meddle/ITV/REX/Shutterstock) The radio veteran passed away earlier this year (Picture: PA)

‘An amazing, excellent journalist, a brilliant presenter, but also (he) had a good sense of humour, had great jokes and (he lightened) the atmosphere at the same time,’ she said.

‘He was a generous person to work with, and just knew the industry inside out and I feel very lucky to (have worked) with him.’

Speaking about helming the show, Hawkins added: ‘The amazing thing was the weird and wonderful pets that people have and it seems to work on every kind of animal.

‘Coming up to Guy Fawkes Night with all the fireworks, it can be a really stressful time.

‘Lots of animals find it (a) really difficult, really anxious time. It’s a time when they get very stressed and it’s really visible to see in your pet.

‘So it is a worrying time for a lot of owners wondering how to deal with that.’

Beloved TV presenter Turnbull died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones in September, five years after he was first diagnosed with prostate cancer.

‘Bill was diagnosed in 2017 and has had outstanding medical care from the Royal Marsden and Ipswich Hospitals, St Elizabeth Hospice, and his GP,’ his family said in a statement, with tributes also pouring in at the time.

The presenter died aged 66 after a battle with prostate cancer (Picture: PA)

‘He was resolutely positive and was hugely buoyed by the support he received from friends, colleagues, and messages from people wishing him luck. It was a great comfort to Bill that so many more men are now testing earlier for this disease.

‘Bill will be remembered by many as a remarkable broadcaster who brought warmth and humour into people’s homes on BBC Breakfast and Classic FM.

‘He was also a devoted Wycombe Wanderers fan and an ever-aspiring beekeeper. Bill was a wonderful husband and father to his three children; his family and friends will miss how he always made them laugh, and the generosity and love he shared with those around him.’

The statement continued: ‘Bill was a wonderful husband and father to his three children; his family and friends will miss how he always made them laugh, and the generosity and love he shared with those around him.’

Pet Classics will be on Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 9pm on Classic FM, available to listen to on 100-102 FM, Global Player and ClassicFM.com.

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