In a jaw-dropping move, TV legends Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have just opened Happy Paws, a £2 million animal shelter in Newcastle to tackle the city’s growing number of abandoned cats and dogs. But what’s got everyone talking isn’t the adorable pets—it’s the shocking way they’re recruiting staff and the unbelievable choice for their first manager!

Happy Paws isn’t just a rescue centre for animals; it’s a lifeline for Newcastle’s homeless community. Ant and Dec, known for their big hearts, are offering jobs to those living on the streets, giving them a fresh start while they care for the city’s most vulnerable pets. “We wanted to make a real difference,” Ant said at the grand opening, surrounded by wagging tails and cheering locals. “This is about second chances—for the animals and the people.”

But here’s where it gets wild: the first manager of Happy Paws isn’t a seasoned vet or a charity expert—it’s none other than a former circus lion tamer who once performed death-defying stunts with big cats! Sources say this mysterious figure, known only as “Leo the Lionheart,” traded in his whip for a leash after a dramatic career change. “I’ve tamed lions, so I can handle a few feisty kittens,” Leo reportedly boasted, as he welcomed a crowd of curious pups wrapped in colorful scarves.

The internet is losing its mind over this unexpected twist. “A lion tamer running a dog shelter? This I’ve got to see!” one X user posted, while another quipped, “Ant and Dec really know how to make headlines—first I’m a Celeb, now this?!” With balloons, barking dogs, and a queue of eager new staff in Happy Paws aprons, the opening event was pure chaos—and pure genius.

Will Leo the Lionheart turn Happy Paws into Newcastle’s greatest success story, or will his circus past bring more drama than Ant and Dec bargained for? One thing’s for sure: this is one shelter you’ll want to keep your eyes on! Stay tuned for more updates on this paws-itively wild venture.