Blue Peter viewers will be introduced to the show’s latest team member this Thursday, when Henry the Beagle Basset Hound cross makes his debut in the studio.

Two year-old Henry is set to become a regular fixture on the weekly CBBC show, which airs every Thursday at 5.30pm.

Henry, who loves long walks and is very inquisitive, was adopted by Blue Peter from Dogs Trust.

Viewers this week will see his story so far. As Henry leaves the rehoming centre, watch him adapt to family life in his new home and see his first visit to the Blue Peter offices and studio, where CBBC’s Pets Factor vet Rory Cowlam will give him the once-over live on air to ensure he is fit and well.

Presenter Lindsey Russell, who has been longing for a new Blue Peter pet, is delighted at the new addition to the show. She says: “Henry is such a friendly dog and I can’t wait to have him in the studio every week. He’s already met the crew, had a good sniff around, and seems to love it. Pets have always been such an important part of Blue Peter and it's so exciting to be welcoming the latest one to the show.”

Blue Peter's pets are almost as well-known as the presenters. There have been nine dogs, five tortoises, nine cats and two parrots. Henry is the 10th dog.

Barney was the last Blue Peter dog, who also came from Dogs Trust, and was adopted by then presenter Helen Skelton in 2009. The first dog was Petra, in 1962, who is immortalised as a statue in the Blue Peter garden at MediaCityUk in Salford. Many will also remember Shep, who joined in 1971, made famous for owner John Noakes’ catchphrase, "Get down, Shep!"