He’s known for being the ultra-calm, ultra-reassuring and highly-skilled ‘Bionic Vet’ animal doctor who wears a hairnet excellently.
And now – probably not for exactly all of those reasons – Supervet fans are calling for Professor Noel Fitzpatrick to be handed a knighthood.
Channel’s 4 compellingly cute but occasionally heart-rending documentary following the day to day goings on in Noel’s practice in Surrey is back.
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Fans welcomed the return of the “emotional rollercoaster” series, with the first episode focusing on the amazing recovery of a tiny, months-old Jackhuahua puppy called Ted.
Sadly, Ted’s back had been broken by another dog. And although Noel sprang into action and immediately operated on Ted’s spine, viewers saw Noel slumped on the floor holding his head with one hand as he explained to the puppy’s 10-year-old owner Poppy he wasn’t sure whether Ted would be able to walk again.
Even former Doctor Who Colin Baker was moved by Ted’s story.
#Supervet Poor little Ted the ‘jackhuahua’!@SupervetNF
— Colin Baker (@SawbonesHex) February 28, 2018
For those watching, Noel’s compassion, excellence and manner was more than enough to suggest he should be recognised with a gong.
Noel Fitzpatrick the Supervet should get a knighthood for what he does and has achieved
— Adele Feather (@adele_feather) February 28, 2018
Noel Fitzpatrick from the Supervet should be given a Knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for all of the outstanding work he has done to help the country’s animals over the last 10 series of his show
— Andrew Walker (@Andrewjwal26) February 28, 2018
@SupervetNF Noel you are amazing!! Someone let the Queen know that this guy deserves a Knighthood! True inspiration #supervet 🐶
— Jess Carson 🖤 (@JessCarson13) February 28, 2018
One viewer, perhaps not familiar with the criteria used to determine Queen’s Honours, also put forward Noel being recognised for his excellent embraces.
can @SupervetNF just get a knighthood already? man’s a genius and he looks like he gives big ol’ bear hugs. #supervet
— lil toot toot (@dekashoko) February 28, 2018
Incredible programme tonight. Regularly in tears ( the good way) and in awe of the people and pets on Supervet. Mr B 😸😽 and I watch avidly together ! Time for a ‘Noel Knighthood ‘ methinks……
— Victoria Sargent (@vickilucy) February 28, 2018
Can someone just give @SupervetNF a Knighthood already?! #SuperVet
— Mickey Richards (@mickey_richards) February 28, 2018
Thankfully, Ted survived and recovered from his ordeal – and more touching stories will return to Channel 4 next week.
Teddy, Harvey and Juke – three shining stars #supervet pic.twitter.com/1UUeuSsfHx
— Noel Fitzpatrick (@SupervetNF) February 28, 2018
It is a true honour to bring these stories to you through the #supervet and show you the great future of medicine… where everything is possible and we really can make a positive change one pet at a time x
— Noel Fitzpatrick (@SupervetNF) February 28, 2018
There was one confusing element to last night’s show which left hordes of Twitter users puzzled, however: what was Take That’s Mark Owen doing hanging out in the practice’s reception?
Here are a selection of those tweets that spied Mark:
Mark on Supervet 💕😍😍😍 @OfficialMarkO I miss you ❤ pic.twitter.com/Wvo1P5GQZ7
— Ciara (@ciaaraa___) February 28, 2018
Pretty sure just saw Mark Owen on #supervet
— Vivien Fagan (@thisisvivf) February 28, 2018
So glad Supervet is back but hold on , Mark Owen is stood at your reception desk & everyone remains calm ……. how !!? 😂 I got overexcited just spotting him on my tv #Supervet #kidsdisownedmeagain
— claire pegler (@claire_pegler2) February 28, 2018
I have heat and hot water. First time in 10 days but more importantly was that Mark Owen hanging around at reception on Supervet?! #supervet #staywarm
— Vicky Jordan (@VickyJWood) February 28, 2018
Weirdly, this isn’t the first time Mark has been spotted on the show, as this tweet from November 2016 demonstrates…
Was that Mark Owen in your waiting room Noel?
— Matthew Eagle (@realMattEagle) November 9, 2016
Plus, Noel follows Mark on Twitter… although the virtual favour is not returned. What is happening here?
As it turns out, it seems Noel and Mark may be pals. Sort of.
A couple of years ago, Mark took to the stage of the festival Noel was promoting – how does he find the time? – to thank the vet for looking after his beloved pet dog.
Mark even sang an acapella version of ‘Shine’ to keep fans entertained as stage was reset for another band.
Hopefully Mark’s dog is in tip top condition and his appearance on Supervet was just an ‘Easter egg’ of a cameo.
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Supervet is on Channel 4, Wednesdays at 8pm.
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