Pudsey cruises home in style

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is the only cruise ship equipped with kennels and it’s the only one which sails regular scheduled Transatlantic crossings. So it was the natural choice for canine superstar Pudsey, who is returning home after a performance on American TV.
Together with devoted owner Ashleigh Butler, the six-year-old dog – who won Britain’s Got Talent in May – performed on the US version of the show last month. And this week, they have been on stage in the splendid surroundings of QM2’s 1,100-seat Royal Court Theatre. It would be interesting to see what admirer Simon Cowell has to say about his protege becoming a cruise ship entertainer.
As a performer, Pudsey has been allowed to share Ashleigh’s passenger cabin instead of being consigned to the kennels on Deck 12. Having triumphed in BGT, the pair performed in front of The Queen at Epsom race course in June and will be appearing at the Royal Variety Performance in December. They have also been booked for panto – in Dick Whittington at Woking’s New Victoria Theatre.