Christine Bleakley goes to the dogs for ITV1

Dancing on Ice presenter Christine Bleakley is to front a festive special featuring some of Britain’s most talented four-legged friends in That Dog Can Dance! Also taking part are Sharon Osbourne, Bill Bailey and Ashleigh and Pudsey.

Kate Maddigan, Commissioner, Entertainment ITV1, says of the programme, “We’re delighted that ITV will welcome That Dog Can Dance! to it’s Christmas schedule and hope that our viewers will join in the fun as the UK’s most talented dogs take centre stage.”

That Dog Can Dance! will show five dogs and their owners vying for the title of ‘Best in Show’ to win the most sought after prize in the canine world – the chance to perform at Crufts, the world’s greatest dog show, in 2013. The lucky winners will also win a dog-friendly holiday and a generous supply of treats.

The judging panel comprises of Ashleigh and Pudsey – winners of 2012’s talent show Britain’s Got Talent along with former X Factor face Sharon Osbournewith her furry friends, Bella and Rocky, and comedian Bill Bailey with his ‘man’s best friend’, Teddi and Bule, giving their verdicts on their favourite performing pooch before the final winner is decided by the live studio audience.

“Christine Bleakley and dogs. What can I say…. nothing is the best option I think.” Says ATV Today telly critic Queenie.

That Dog Can Dance! Is a co-production between Simon Cowell’s Syco and Thames Television. Bleakley has been selected to host a number of specials, along with Dancing on Ice, for ITV1 since leaving breakfast show Daybreak a  year ago. She joined the broadcaster from BBC One’s The One Show in 2010 to front the replacement to 18-year-old GMTV. Pictured: Christine Bleakley on Daybreak with Adrian Chiles.