Sheridan Smith's Pooch Perfect Axed After Just One Series - Digital Spy

Sheridan Smith's Pooch Perfect has been cancelled after one series, it has been confirmed.

The animal-based competition show, which was hosted by actress Smith alongside a dog named Stanley, aired earlier this year and saw experienced dog groomers compete to impress judges Verity Hardcastle and Colin Taylor with their skills and win the title of the UK's Top Dog Stylist.

Smith, who has six dogs of her own at home, described landing the gig as "heaven" and called it "literally my dream job!" but the show will not be returning to our screens following its first series, which saw groomer Kelly Davis named as the winner.

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The BBC told Digital Spy: "Pooch Perfect brought plenty of light relief to viewers during lockdown and whilst the show won't be returning for another series, we'd like to thank Sheridan, the judges, animal experts, groomers and pet owners plus the entire team at Beyond Productions for bringing such joy to our screens at a time when we needed it most."

The BBC defended the show after its launch following concerns raised by the RSPCA's head of companion animals Dr Samantha Gaines, who said that the show runs the risk of perpetuating "the idea that dogs are ours to objectify".

The BBC released a statement saying that the "care and wellbeing of the dogs was of the utmost importance" to the programme makers, adding that there were always "an RSPCA-approved animal welfare consultant, a grooming consultant, and a vet" present on set.

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The broadcaster also addressed criticism of the dogs having their fur dyed, saying that the products used "were animal safe and temporary" and that permission had been sought from the owners.

Pooch Perfect has also aired in Australia and the US, with Pitch Perfect actress Rebel Wilson as the host on both shows.

We recently got a first look at Smith alongside David Walliams in new project Hansel & Gretel: After Ever After, a new adaptation of the traditional Brothers Grimm fairytale, and it's safe to say that she is looking completely unrecognisable in the first-look image.

Reporter & Sub-Editor, Digital Spy Susannah is a freelance writer and sub-editor, specialising in the entertainment industry. She graduated in 2014, with a BA in English and American Literature and Creative Writing, and an MA in Creative Producing. She’s been writing for Digital Spy ever since, after first getting involved through work experience, and has written hundreds of stories for the site on a range of topics, from The Sims to Doctor Who. Susannah has also written for Reveal Magazine. Her special interests are soaps (her Mastermind subject would be 2000s Coronation Street), Marvel and Star Wars. She can also quote far too many lines from Friends and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.