The Dark Knight Rises star has publicly spoken about his love of dogs, and he even appeared in a pooch adoption campaign for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) with Woody, a dog he rescued from a highway in Atlanta, Georgia and took home to London.

Tom even brought Woody to the London premiere of Legend in September (15), and the dog featured in photo call pictures and was taken into the cinema.

Hardy took his love for pets even further by appearing in British TV show Paul O'Grady - For the Love of Dogs on Thursday night (05Nov15) to take a tour around Battersea Dogs & Cats Home with the presenter, who hoped the actor would adopt a new pooch.

Tom visited a number of dogs and let them jump all over him, repeatedly licking his face as he sat cross-legged on the floor, and he even ended up with dog drool in his beard.

He formed a particular bond with large terrier named Titch, but he turned down the opportunity to adopt him as the actor does not have room at home for another hound.

"All dogs are great but sometimes you connect with one, immediately," he said. "Titch is cut from my very fabric - he feels like an extension already of me and my family... I have two dogs already who I love just as much as I love Titch but I just don't have the space, but I would take you today if I did. Look at him, he's perfect!"

He explained to Paul how he relaxes by playing with the pets, adding, "I've come here for therapy really for me. It's here, it's round the corner, I've come to hang out. They let me come in to see the dogs and give them a cuddle."

Tom has an extra addition in his home already - the actor and his wife Charlotte Riley reportedly welcomed their first child in October (15). He also has another child from a previous relationship.