Amanda Holden, the well-known television personality, recently stated, “I like a pint of Wherry from Norfolk.” This declaration underscores her deep affection for the region, which she has previously referred to as her “heart place.” Wherry, a beer produced by Woodforde’s Brewery, has been a staple since it was first poured in 1981, and it reflects the local culture that Holden cherishes.

First Experience at Crufts

During her first visit to Crufts, the prestigious dog show, Holden expressed her amazement at the event’s enormity, saying, “This was my first time at Crufts, and I felt a little bit overwhelmed, I’m not going to lie because it is enormous and literally around every corner is a dog.” Crufts, set to take place from 5-8 March 2025 at the NEC Birmingham, is expected to attract around 18,000 dogs, showcasing the diversity and beauty of various breeds.

Holden’s Family and Pets

Amanda Holden is not only a fan of the canine world but also a devoted pet owner. She has two dogs, Rudie, a 15-year-old Yorkshire Terrier Jack Russell cross, and Minnie, a Shih Tzu Toy Spaniel cross. Her love for her pets is evident, and they play a significant role in her life alongside her two daughters, Lexi, aged 19, and Hollie, aged 13. Holden has been married to Chris Hughes since 2008, creating a family environment that values both human and animal companionship.

Rumors and Reality of Strictly Come Dancing

In the realm of television, Amanda Holden has been the subject of speculation regarding her potential role in the popular dance show, Strictly Come Dancing. However, she has firmly denied these rumors, stating, “You see, I am already part of a big show, and I’ll happily carry on watching Strictly from the comfort of my lounge.” This statement reflects her commitment to her current projects while also acknowledging the changes happening within the Strictly Come Dancing production.

Changes in Strictly Come Dancing

Recent developments in the Strictly Come Dancing franchise have seen the departure of three professional dancers. Sources indicate that “Bosses want a fresh start and to bring in new faces after all the drama in recent years and create a new era.” This shift signifies a significant change in the show’s dynamics, aiming to rejuvenate its appeal to audiences.

Looking Ahead

As Amanda Holden continues to navigate her career and personal life, her love for Norfolk, her dogs, and her family remains a central theme. With upcoming events like Crufts on the horizon, she is likely to remain in the public eye, sharing her experiences and insights with her fans.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding her future television roles, but Holden’s current focus on her family and pets seems to be a fulfilling chapter in her life.

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Bruin, a four-year-old Clumber Spaniel, has been crowned Best in Show at Crufts 2026, a prestigious event held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, UK. This victory is particularly notable as it marks the first time a Clumber Spaniel has won this title since 1991.

Handled by Lee Cox, Bruin previously secured a win in the Gundog group at the same event, showcasing his exceptional qualities among a competitive field of over 18,600 entrants. Cox expressed his overwhelming joy, stating, “It’s just wonderful for this breed. You know, it’s just a… for the first time in my life, I’m speechless.”

Bruin hails from Somerset, UK, and his win is significant not only for his handler but also for the breed itself, which is classified as a vulnerable native breed in the UK, with fewer than 300 births each year.

In a heartfelt reflection on Bruin, Cox added, “He’s just, he’s a dog of a lifetime, he really, really is. He’s very, very special. I absolutely adore him. And he adores me.” This sentiment resonates with many dog enthusiasts who understand the bond between handlers and their dogs.

The Clumber Spaniel’s win at such a large event underscores the breed’s resilience and the dedication of its supporters. Observers are hopeful that this victory will inspire a resurgence in interest and breeding of Clumber Spaniels, potentially increasing their numbers in the coming years.

As the dog show community celebrates this achievement, the spotlight remains on Bruin and his handler, with many eager to see how this win will influence the future of the breed. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any upcoming events or potential breeding plans following this historic win.

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The 2026 Crufts winners have been revealed, with Bruin the Clumber Spaniel clinching the prestigious title of Best In Show. This year’s event, held at the NEC in Birmingham, saw over 18,000 hopefuls competing for top honors.

Bruin’s victory marks a significant moment, as it is the first time since 1991 that a Clumber Spaniel has won the Best In Show award. The trophy was presented by television personality Claudia Winkleman, who noted the enthusiastic reception Bruin received from the audience.

Trieymoedd Snipes Whisper Clyde also made headlines by winning the Northesk Memorial Trophy and the title of Best in Gamekeeper Classes. Clyde, described as a ‘gentle giant,’ is four and a half years old and is owned by Harry Lewis and Amber Williams. Amber expressed her disbelief at Clyde’s success, stating, “I can’t believe it. He is just brilliant, both in the shooting field and in the show ring. He just loves doing what he’s doing.”

In addition to Bruin and Clyde, Dublin, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, won the Toy Group at Crufts 2026. Dublin previously secured a spot in the Best in Show final at Crufts 2023, showcasing consistent excellence in the competition.

Megan the Petit Basset Griffon was the runner-up for Best In Show, further highlighting the competitive nature of this year’s event. Lee Cox, the owner of Megan, expressed his astonishment at the outcome, saying, “I can’t [swear], but I would’ve done. What can I say? I can’t believe it, it’s just wonderful for this breed and for the first time in my life I’m speechless.”

The atmosphere at the event was electric, with Winkleman commenting on the crowd’s affection for Bruin, stating, “The atmosphere, when he came out. They loved all the dogs, but this one – they loved!”

Crufts remains the world’s largest dog show, celebrated annually in Birmingham, and continues to draw attention from dog lovers worldwide. As the event concludes, the dog show community looks forward to what next year will bring.

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Lee Cox, the owner of Bruin, expressed his disbelief and joy, stating, “It’s just amazing, I can’t believe it. It’s just wonderful for this breed.” Bruin, a four-year-old clumber spaniel, captured the coveted best in show prize at the prestigious Crufts dog show held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on March 8, 2026.

The competition, which spanned four days, saw an estimated 18,600 dogs participating, showcasing a variety of breeds. Bruin’s victory is particularly significant as the clumber spaniel is classified as a ‘vulnerable native breed’ by the UK Kennel Club, with only about 300 new registrations annually.

Path to Victory

Prior to winning best in show, Bruin had already made a mark by winning the Gundog group earlier in the event. Lee Cox, who handled Bruin during the competition, remarked, “He’s a dog of a lifetime … he’s just wonderful.” This win not only highlights Bruin’s exceptional qualities but also brings attention to the clumber spaniel breed.

The reserve best in show was awarded to Meghan, a petit basset griffon vendéen, showcasing the competitive spirit of the event. Crufts, which has been held since 1891, continues to be a landmark occasion in the dog show calendar, celebrating the bond between dogs and their owners.

Lee Cox further described Bruin’s personality, saying, “He’s a bit of a diva, a bit like me, he likes to have his own way.” This playful description adds a personal touch to the narrative of Bruin’s triumph. The win is expected to inspire more interest in the clumber spaniel breed, which has faced challenges in terms of popularity and registration numbers.

As the dog show community reflects on this remarkable achievement, the impact of Bruin’s win is likely to resonate beyond the event, encouraging potential owners to consider the clumber spaniel as a beloved companion. The next expected development will be the ongoing discussions about the breed’s future and efforts to promote its welfare and registration.

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“How gorgeous is this? Thank you so much @bethwilsonembroidery @barkingandmeowingheads,” Amanda Holden exclaimed as she showcased her custom-made jacket at Crufts. The jacket, designed by Beth Wilson Embroidery, features embroidered portraits of Holden’s two dogs, Rudie and Buddy, along with blue hearts, making it a personal and stylish statement.

Holden, who is a brand ambassador for Barking Heads, shared the jacket with her 2.8 million Instagram followers, highlighting the unique craftsmanship of Beth Wilson, the owner and lead designer at Beth Wilson Embroidery. Wilson’s work has garnered attention from high-profile clients, including Charlotte Tilbury and Victoria’s Secret, and she was recognized as Small Business of the Year at the Tees Businesswomen Awards in 2025.

The event comes at a time when Holden is also in the spotlight for her role on Britain’s Got Talent. The show has recently faced challenges, with the first episode of its 19th series attracting just 3 million viewers, marking the lowest viewership ever. The second episode saw a further decline, with 100,000 fewer viewers tuning in.

Despite these setbacks, Holden remains optimistic about the show’s format. “I think it’s because it is a strong format, and it brings different things,” she stated, emphasizing the chemistry of the judging panel as a key strength. This season has seen the introduction of KSI as a new judge, following Bruno Tonioli’s exit.

Holden’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment among the show’s fans and producers, as they navigate the evolving landscape of television viewership. Bookmakers currently place the odds of this being Britain’s Got Talent’s final series at 7/4, indicating a growing concern about the show’s future.

As the series progresses, viewers will be watching closely to see if the show’s dynamics can attract a larger audience and if Holden’s vibrant presence, both on and off the stage, can help rejuvenate interest in the beloved talent competition.

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Crufts is back from Thursday, March 5 to Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the NEC in Birmingham. The first scheduled competition is set to begin at 8:15 AM on March 5, with the last event concluding at 7:25 PM on March 8.

Doors will open at 8:15 AM each day, allowing attendees to enjoy a full day of events. Daily activities will last until 8:05 PM, except for Sunday when they will continue until 8:30 PM.

The schedule for the event features a variety of competitions across the four days. March 5 will showcase the Working and Pastoral groups, while March 6 will highlight the Terrier and Hound groups. The Utility and Toy groups will take the stage on March 7, culminating in the Gundog group and the Best in Show on March 8.

Notable competitions include the Joe Cartledge Memorial International Junior Handling competition, which will start at 8:30 AM on March 6. Group Judging for the Terrier and Hound groups is scheduled for 6:25 PM and 7:15 PM respectively on the same day.

The Best in Show winner will be announced at 8:30 PM on March 8, marking a highlight of the event. This year’s Crufts will also celebrate a significant milestone, as it marks the 35th year that Crufts has called the NEC its home.

Crufts is an annual event celebrating dog breeds and competitions, drawing participants and spectators from around the world. As the event approaches, further details regarding specific competitions and participants are anticipated.

Details remain unconfirmed.

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