Pooch Perfect
Sheridan Smith leads the hunt for Britain’s most talented dog groomer
7 January, 8pm BBC1 Entertainment
Dog lover Sheridan Smith has bagged her first presenting job hosting BBC1’S new eight-part competitive dog-styling series. It follows 16 professional canine crimpers as they take part in themed challenges and doggy ‘transfurmations’ in a battle to win the coveted title of the UK’S top dog stylist.
As the proud owner of six canines, dog lovers don’t come more devoted than Sheridan Smith. So who better to host Pooch Perfect, an eight-part search for the nation’s finest dog groomer?
The series sees the actor offer moral support as a quartet of nervous groomers in each of the first four heats try to impress the judges – grooming experts Verity Hardcastle and Colin Taylor – with their clipping talents, before two from each heat progress to the quarter-finals.
‘They are 16 of the best groomers in the UK,’ says Sheridan. ‘It’s fun but there’s a lot of pressure and they take it seriously.’
In each episode, the contestants tackle the Breed Makeover Challenge and demonstrate their trimming precision on a specific type of dog, beginning in the opener with a Shih Tzu.
Canine catwalk
Then they showcase their flair for design on a breed of their choice in the Dogwalk Challenge, which, in the first instalment, sees them create a teddy bear-style cut. Their four-legged clients then model their new looks in front of their owners and the judges.
‘Watching the owners see their dogs’ transformations is hilarious!’ says Sheridan. ‘They’re thrilled and in tears because they can’t believe it’s their dog!’
The chance to spend all day with pups was one Sheridan couldn’t resist and she fell in love with her gorgeous cross-breed co-host Stanley (pictured right).
‘It was doggy heaven!’ says Sheridan. ‘But Stanley’s the star of the show, he upstaged me! He could do anything. I don’t know how I’d work with another co-host now!’