Animal-loving Traitors star meets pets looking for home

Alex Gray, a contestant of the first series of The Traitors UK which aired in 2022 and got the nation hooked, has shared another ‘secret’ – her love of animals.

The 26-year-old owns to rescue cats of her own, called Binx and Boo, and a horse called Ruby, and on a recent visit to the Blue Cross in Burford, Oxfordshire, she met a whole range of animals.

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The actress visited the national pet charity’s headquarters and rehoming centre where she met a cat who is blind in one eye, a pair of rabbits and horses.

Research by Blue Cross has found millions of cats and dogs could be just one vet bill away from being surrendered or facing the need to find a new home.

Alex Gray meeting a cat at the Burford centre (Image: Blue Cross)

In the last four years alone, the charity says it has seen a 122 per cent increase in dogs coming into its care and an 80 per cent rise in cats.

After her visit, The Traitors star Ms Gray said: “My horse Ruby, and my cats Binx and Boo, mean everything to me, and we’re lucky to have each other.

“But there are many pets out there who have yet to meet their perfect match. Sadly, some have been waiting longer than others.

“It was an absolute joy to spend time with some of the horses and ponies at Blue Cross’s rehoming centre in Burford, and incredibly inspiring – the team give them the care and compassion they need, building their confidence so they are ready to go into their new homes.

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“As well as the stables, I was also able to visit the cattery, where I met some beautiful felines, including Johnny who is such a character and completely stole my heart.  And I even got to meet some gorgeous longer-eared residents too – rabbits Bella and Carrot.

Alex Gray met horses, cats and rabbits at Blue Cross centre in Burford (Image: Jack Fairey / Blue Cross)

“I would encourage anyone looking to get a horse, pony or small pet to consider Blue Cross – they have so many beautiful animals who have so much to give.”

Hannah Wiltshire, centre manager at Blue Cross Burford, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Alex to our centre and introduce her to some of the animals in our care.

 “Sadly, we are seeing a growing number of animals needing our help, with a hidden pet welfare crisis unfolding behind closed doors across the UK.

The Traitors star is a big animal-lover and has a horse of her own (Image: Jack Fairey / Blue Cross)

“Many owners are facing heartbreaking decisions as rising living costs force them to choose between feeding themselves and their families or keeping their pets.

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 “We also know that there can be a real sense of shame or stigma around having to give up a pet, but reaching out for help is a responsible and compassionate choice.

“At Blue Cross, we are here to support people through that difficult decision without judgement, and to find every animal a safe, loving new home.”

More information on how to support is available at bluecross.org.uk.