Graeme Hall, widely recognised as "The Dogfather" from the Channel 5 programme Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly, is a contestant on this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing. The 59-year-old Yorkshireman is partnered with professional dancer Lauren Oakley.
Speaking about their partnership, Graeme wrote on Instagram: "It's Lauren's fifth series as a pro dancer on the show … so safe to say I'm in very capable hands!"
He added: "Still can't quite believe this is actually happening … bring it on! Grateful to everyone for your kind message of support. Let's hope that we can pull off something that resembles a dance next Saturday night."
From Dog Training to the Ballroom
Graeme is the face of Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly, where he visits households needing help managing their dog's poor behaviour, creating long-lasting fixes to make owners' lives easier. A one-off documentary titled Dogs Behaving Badly first aired in March 2017 on Channel 4, and the show has since been renewed for an additional seven seasons on Channel 5.
Graeme recently celebrated the 100th episode of the show. Taking to Instagram, he said: "Celebrating our 100th episode of #DogsBehavingVeryBadly. Looking back with a few pictures from Series 5, 6 and 7 … I think we had fun.
"Thanks to all the pawsome dogs and of course their ever obedient humans …. It's been great having you all on the shows over all eight series. Catch up on the 100th episode, watch on 5!"
In 2023, an Australian version of Dog's Behaving (Very Badly) was launched, which saw Graeme take his skills Down Under. He has also starred as a presenter on The Dog Hospital, based at Willows, one of the UK's top veterinary centres, and has appeared on a celebrity edition of The Chase and on ITV daytime show This Morning to answer dog-related queries. He launched his own business at www.dogfather.co.uk, with the motto "Any dog, any age, any problem."
Career Change and Personal Life
Before landing the role on the popular programme, Graeme worked as a management consultant for Weetabix for 21 years. He grew up in Selby, Yorkshire, before attending the University of Hull. His desire for a major career change stemmed from retraining his own Rottweilers, Axel and Gordon.
Speaking about the shift, Graeme said: "I had two Rottweilers and set about training them. Then someone from a dog training company said something that changed the course of my life, 'Why don't you become a dog trainer?' I said, 'Why?'
He said, 'Because you're good with people'. That's what hooked me, as he said it's a combination of being good with people and good with dogs."
Away from the screen, Graeme married accountant Elinor Perry-Hall in 2017 in a ceremony in Sri Lanka, before celebrating with friends in the UK. Rumours surrounding their split started to circulate in 2023. In an interview with The Times, Graeme revealed he was now living in Oxfordshire with a new partner. The reason for their separation has been kept under wraps, and he keeps his personal life relatively private, though he regularly updates his 164,000 Instagram followers.
Last year, the 59-year-old announced the death of his own dog. In an emotional Instagram post, Graeme wrote: "I have sad news to share today about beautiful Jonny. After 16 and a half years of unconditional love our gentle boy, the kindest soul, has passed away.
Hopefully he's frolicking around now with the rest of the gang in doggy heaven. I can't quite believe that a little over a year ago we had three dogs in the house and in such a short time they've all gone (none of us outrun old age). The place seems so, so empty without them. Heartbroken…
Give yours an extra cuddle tonight. Forgive them their trespasses (they always forgive ours). Make memories and cherish every moment, friends…"
