It’s not every day you get an invite to the press launch of a dog’s autobiography. But that’s exactly what happened to us earlier.
This morning we broke the news that Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey have now become millionaires thanks to a pricey old book deal, so we decided we needed to know more.
Pudsey and his 17-year-old trainer Ashleigh welcomed us with open arms – and paws – as we turned up to find out all about Pudsey’s new book – an autobiDOGraphy of his life.
The book tells the story of the performing pooch’s love of dancing, and how it’s always been his dream to take to the stage.
Here’s what Pudsey and Ashleigh had to say:
Who wrote the book?
It was obviously Pudsey; all Pudsey! He’s learnt how to write now.
How’s Pudsey coping with sharing the limelight with other top dogs, like David Walliam’s pooch Bert?
He doesn’t mind. He loves any attention; he’s a proper show off. Whenever he sees a camera he poses – he’s loving it.
So you’re heading to America soon; what have you actually got planned while you’re out there?
We are going on some TV shows: America’s Got Talent, E, Good Morning America, Jay Leno’s show.
How are getting to America?
We’re going by private jet, so that he can sit with me instead of in the hold of the plane.
Will you be stopping by Simon Cowell’s for a visit?
It would be very nice; I think he’d have Pudsey and not me – he’d take Pudsey and just leave me standing outside waiting for him!
Any chance of Pudsey doing a Hollywood movie?
Who knows. I think he’d be perfect. Fingers crossed, but we’ll just have to see what happens in the future.
Will you be staying in a dog-friendly hotel in America?
I hope so! I think they’re a little more dog-friendly over in America – we’ve had some trouble with hotels over here?
Has he been turned away from some places then?
When we were on Britain’s Got Talent all the other contestants were in a really nice hotel and we were in a Premier Inn because they wouldn’t let Pudsey in.
Who is Pudsey’s biggest inspiration?
Lassie because he’s the top film dog – that’s his dog idol. Uggie form The Artist is absolutely fabulous too.
Has Pudsey got any plans to release a single?
I don’t think he’s the singing type, but who knows. Though Pudsey and backing dancers would be good – we could get a whole music video going on.
Who’s Pudsey’s most famous fan?
While we were doing Britain’s Got Talent I heard that Justin Bieber and 50 Cent are big fans.
What are his favourite treats?
He loves ham sandwiches; ham and cheese. He’s a bit fussy so though, so I won’t be upgrading to fancy stuff now he’s become a star.
What do you and Pudsey think of the Olate Dogs that featured on America’s Got Talent?
I thought they were absolutely brilliant. I haven’t let Pudsey watch them though; he might get a bit jealous.
Are there any other dogs you have to keep him away from in case he gets jealous?
He doesn’t normally get jealous, unless I’m stroking another dog and then he gets really jealous. Last night I was stroking my sister’s dog and he walked in the room, looked at me, and walked right out. He gets very jealous very easily.
How has having Pudsey changed your life?
I have a lot more confidence now. If I’m doing rehearsals and they don’t want Pudsey on the stage, I have to do it on my own and I really hate that because I look like a fool.
What’s going on with Pudsey’s love life? Is there anyone special in his life right now?
Pudsey loves every dog, I’m not going to lie! He’s not fussy; boy, girl; he’s not bothered at all.
Any chance of Pudsey becoming a dad one day?
He’s already a dad. He’s got six puppies; they’re all grown up now, so he can focus on his dancing. He’s not going to be having any more puppies I’ve decided, so Simon Cowell’s too late to get one!
Were you sad to say goodbye to Pudsey’s babies?
Definitely yeah, because I’d have loved a Pudsey puppy. But I train his daughter Crumpet. We could set up his all his puppies and have a dance troop. It might be a bit crazy though to have all those dogs on stage with just me!