A DANCING duo from Newark will star in an ITV1 special on Boxing Day in a bid to win a place performing at Crufts dog show.
Sandra Hallam, 49, and her cavalier King Charles spaniel Henry will take to the X Factor stage in Wembley as contestants in That Dog Can Dance.
They will be competing against some of Britain's most gifted dogs in Simon Cowell's new canine talent show.
The show will see five dogs and their owners vying for the title of "best in show" to win a top prize in the canine world – the chance to perform at Crufts in 2013.
Mrs Hallam said she couldn't believe it when she heard she and Henry, who is eight years old, had been shortlisted for the show. She said: "We've been dancing together for six years, since I got Henry as a show dog.
"We were really enjoying ourselves dancing to all sorts of music and training regularly. But two years ago, it became apparent that something was not right and that Henry had gone deaf.
"This made training much more difficult and we had to learn sign language.
"Henry relies on me for rhythm and beat, so I use a lot of hand gestures and we have to think outside the box.
"But when we went for the audition, I didn't ever expect us to be shortlisted."
Mrs Hallam and Henry went to auditions in early November with friends who were also hoping to be shortlisted.
And it was the Newark pair who shone and impressed the judges.
They work very closely together because Henry has to rely on Mrs Hallam more than dogs which have clear hearing.
Mrs Hallam, who owns five other dogs, added: "We were thrilled and delighted to have been picked.
"Lots and lots of dog owners and their dogs auditioned, so for us to be picked is amazing.
"The filming took place on the X Factor stage and the judges were brilliant.
"Obviously, I know who the winner is but I'm not allowed to say until it has been aired.
"I haven't even told my mum.
"I'm really proud of Henry and it was a great experience.
" I would say I was more nervous than him – he's a real show dog and loves the attention.
"There were some great contestants doing all sorts of dances and we did our best too. The whole family is really excited to watch the show on Boxing Day and to find out who wins."
As well as a place to perform at Crufts, the winners will get a dog-friendly holiday and a supply of treats.
The programme is hosted by Christine Bleakley.
Judges Ashleigh and Pudsey – who triumphed in Britain's Got Talent earlier this year – Sharon Osbourne with her furry friends, Bella and Rocky, and comedian Bill Bailey with his dogs, Teddi and Bule, will give their verdicts on their favourite performing pooch before the winner is decided by the live studio audience.
That Dog Can Dance is on ITV1 on Boxing Day at 8pm.
