'Britain's Got Talent' judges praise 'joyous' finalists Ashleigh and Pudsey
Published May 7 2012, 05:04 BST | By Kate Goodacre
Britain's Got Talent judges Amanda Holden and David Walliams have praised Sunday night's victorious semi-finalists Ashleigh and Pudsey.Ashleigh Butler and her dog Pudsey went through to next Saturday's final as the public's top choice, along with Welsh choir Only Boys Aloud.
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> 'Britain's Got Talent' first semi-final: Live blog
Speaking on ITV2 spinoff show Britain's Got More Talent, Walliams said: "How can you not like Pudsey? He was on his hind legs for a really long time."
"I think they 100% got through on talent," Holden responded. "This show is not about image, but Pudsey is the best looking dog we've ever had."
"I think Ashleigh and Pudsey are a funny act. They are not Frank Sinatra or the Beatles. They are novelty. But they are completely joyous," Walliams continued, adding that he would like to see the dog "lick Simon [Cowell's] face" in the final.
Cowell wrote on Twitter after the show: "Thought [eliminated contenders] The Mend were amazing and I really want that dog!"
Britain's Got Talent's live semi-finals continue tonight (Monday, May 7) at 7.30pm on ITV1.
Photo gallery - Britain's Got Talent first semi-final:
Copyright: Ken McKay/TalkbackThames/Rex Features
Britain's Got Talent: Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams.
I agree with Amy. How could anyone not love that shaggy little Pudsey. I'm looking at that face, and I'm willing to bet there's some schnauzer in him. Ashleigh is doing Pudsey a great service by keeping him so active, and he's enjoying the love and attention no end. And I'm here to tell you, if Simon gets anywhere near that dog, David Walliams will more than get his wish. Little guys like Pudsey don't know how to do anything quite as well as showing love to their people. I think Simon should get one like him for London, and one for L.A. It's no different than a dog having a "Daddy" who is a traveling salesman. When he leaves one for two or three days, he'll be with the other. They'll think that's the way everyone's "Daddy" does, and he'll have a puppy waiting wherever he goes.
May 8th 2012 at 3:22am
The relationship between the two of them is so wonderful. This is based on a bond and enjoying their life together. It's not about the dog training to do a job. I love animals and have a great respect for the dogs that are a part of the police enforcement and helping people in need. This is clearly just about a dog enjoying it's time with his beloved owner. Yes, he may be trying to please his owner, but that's what dogs are all about. Dogs live to please the owners, and he sure looks happy while he's exercising and spending time with his best friend Ashleigh. I sure hope they win!
May 8th 2012 at 2:16am
It is one thing to train dogs to assist blind people, or to assist the police apprehend a criminal, or sniff out drugs etc, but I disagree with this type of act purely for the benifit of putting money into the owners pockets. last year there was a simalar act where the dog was in excess of 100 years old. Dogs are faithfull creatures and will do anything to please their owners. If I ran A show like BGT. I would ban all animal acts.
May 7th 2012 at 8:51pm