‘Britain’s Got Talent’ viewers are set to forget all about last year’s winners Jules and Matisse and the controversy that surrounded them, as they are introduced to a new dancing dog.
Tonight’s launch episode (9 April), sees pooch Trip Hazard and his owner Lucy try their luck in front of judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams.
The Maltese cross is one of the smallest dancing dogs the show has seen in its 10-year history, and the pair’s routine to Christina Aguilera's ‘Candyman’ is certainly one of the most adorable.
Simon also references last year’s controversy during their audition, asking Lucy: “Just to be clear, there’s only one of you, yes?”
Viewers were outraged following the 2015 final, when it emerged that a stunt dog had performed a tightrope trick in place of Matisse during their winning routine.
The matter prompted an Ofcom probe, with many calling for the pair to be stripped of their title.
Simon spoke about the media storm that erupted earlier this week, claiming there was “no intent to deceive anyone”, adding the incident should have been put “into context”.
“I’m used to it, to be honest with you. Listen, it’s not a hurricane!” he said.
“There were three dogs and not two dogs, you have to put it into some kind of context.”
He continued: “At the same time, I am responsible and the viewers have to trust us. It’s got to be fair but when you make live shows there’s always a risk that something could go wrong. But I am never afraid to deal with it afterwards. I’ll always deal with it head on and there was no intent to deceive anyone.”
Viewers will have to tune into ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ tonight at 7pm on ITV to find out if Lucy and Trip make it through to the next round.