Britain’s Got Talent dancer Ashleigh Butler renames lookalike dog Pudsey after beloved co-star pooch dies
The 11-year-old BGT winner had cancer and was put down this week, but owner Ashleigh Butler will now perform with Sully — renamed Pudsey
BRITAIN’S Got Talent dancing dog Pudsey has died — but a lookalike has replaced him and been given his name.
The 11-year-old BGT winner had cancer and was put down this week. But owner Ashleigh Butler will now perform with another of her dogs Sully — renamed Pudsey.
The heartbroken 22-year-old's dog Sully will take on Pudsey's commitments, including a panto role.
Sully is the dog world agility champion and won the small dogs agility jumping round at Crufts in March.
Professor Jonathan Shalit, whose company Roar represents the act, said: “Pudsey’s passing has saddened us all.
“He was a remarkable dog. The combination of Ashleigh and Pudsey was magical.
However, we’re pleased to say that like Lassie and James Bond, Sully will now emulate Pudsey to entertain and bring joy to as many families as Pudsey was able to do.
“Once Ashleigh’s heartache has eased, she looks forward to continuing with her career.
“Ashleigh will be seen staring with Pudsey (Sully) in Jack and the Beanstalk this Christmas at the High Wycombe Swan Theatre.”
Sully made his stage debut in a panto last year alongside Ashleigh and Pudsey and performs at corporate events.
They were described by Simon Cowell as the best dog act he had ever seen.
Pudsey made £1.5million during a whirlwind showbiz career.
He appeared on both sides of the Atlantic, flew on private jets and performed a conga with Kim Kardashian.
He starred in his own movie and even guest edited The Sun’s Bizarre column.
Ashleigh said: “After Pudsey’s short battle against leukaemia, I had to make the hardest decision of my life to let my beautiful boy go to sleep.
“From the minute he was born he brought nothing but joy to me and, as a winner of BGT, millions of others who adored him too.
“No words can express just how much I will miss him.”
A source said: “Pudsey was performing as recently as last week. But Ashleigh noticed he wasn’t well.
“On Wednesday they discovered cancerous cells and made the painful recommendation that he be put down.”
Sully is from the same breeder as Pudsey but is a cross between a Chinese crested powderpuff, border collie and poodle.
