I’M TOP OF THE PUPS
Kelly nabs the Pooch Perfect trophy... with help from Cher
She believed she was strong enough to win, and now she definitely doesn’t want to turn back time.
For Kelly Davis combed and clipped her way to the Pooch Perfect title last night – with a little help from Cher.
The mother of two, 40, gave a miniature poodle a red- carpet groom and dressed up to match in a style inspired by the singer.
She also impressed judges Colin Taylor and Verity hardcastle in a challenge that involved giving a standard poodle a cut known as a continental clip.
her efforts saw her beat fellow finalists Georgia Ashton Fuller and Lakhi Thindal to win the coveted Golden Stanley trophy – named after the three-year- old crossbreed who ‘co-presents’ the BBC1 show with Sheridan Smith.
Salon owner Mrs Davis, from Somerset, had been the favourite, having won Best in Show three times in the series. She has spoken candidly about ‘coming from nothing’ to build her dog-grooming business, saying: ‘When I was a child we lived in caravans all across the south west of england.
‘having to work your way up the ladder has been quite a journey.’
Receiving a kiss from husband Shane as she lifted the trophy last night, Mrs Davis said: ‘Winning Pooch Perfect feels surreal and so incredible. To be able to inspire others in the industry and show that your dreams can become a reality feels amazing.
‘I put my heart and soul into every challenge and I was so happy that I stepped out of my comfort zone and I still managed to showcase my years of grooming skills and knowledge.’ Mrs Davis, who owns three dogs – a Bedlington terrier, a miniature poodle and a Pekingese – has been grooming pets for 18 years.
She employs eight groomers at the salon she owns and runs.
Miss Smith said: ‘I am so pleased for Kelly, she has been a joy to watch and truly deserved to win.
‘Plus she is now the proud owner of the Golden Stanley trophy!’