‘Never be replaced’: Heartbreak as Pudsey of BGT fame passes away

It's been five years since Ashleigh Butler and her incredibly talented (and ridiculously cute) dog, Pudsey, made their way onto the stage for the sixth year of auditions on Britain's Got Talent.

As the weeks progressed, Pudsey, who was a Border Collie, Bichon Frise and Chinese Crested powderpuff cross, delighted viewers more and more, and ultimately went on to win the title.

While Pudsey's talent and Ashleigh's skill certainly set them on course for a big win at the time, the bond they shared is what kept members of the public captivated years later.

So it's no surprise that news of Pudsey's passing has hit Ashleigh's fans and followers hard this week.

Taking to Instagram to share the news, Ashleigh uploaded a touching photo of herself and her pet, before paying tribute to the gorgeous Pudsey.

"I can't honestly believe I am writing these words. My handsome man has gone, and I don't know what to do without him," she began in a post which has been liked almost 4,000 times so far.

"My heart is broken, and I don't know how I'm going to get through this. It hurts so much, that my handsome, incredible Pudsey Bear will never be by my side, where he belongs, again."

 

I can't honestly believe I am writing these words. My handsome man has gone, and I don't know what to do without him. My heart is broken, and I don't know how I'm going to get through this. It hurts so much, that my handsome, incredible Pudsey Bear will never be by my side, where he belongs, again. We only had 11 years together, but they were the best years ever. He was my one in a billion dog that will never be replaced. I don't need to write all of his endless accomplishments on here to prove how incredible he was for me. Sleep tight my handsome man, I love you lots xxxx

A post shared by ashleigh butler (@ashleighbutler7) on Jul 21, 2017 at 2:17pm PDT

"We only had 11 years together, but they were the best years ever. He was my one in a billion dog that will never be replaced," she continued.

Finishing the post with one final nod to her beloved pet, Ashleigh wrote: "I don't need to write all of his endless accomplishments on here to prove how incredible he was for me. Sleep tight my handsome man, I love you lots."

Unsurprisingly, members of the public have replied to Ashleigh's post in their droves, with many recalling the animal's time on Britain's Got Talent.

 

Me and my boys

A post shared by ashleigh butler (@ashleighbutler7) on Jan 16, 2016 at 5:33am PST

"Pudsey was an amazing talented dog & his talent will be remembered by everyone who watched your audition of the flintstones & the people who watched you win with your mission impossible routine," wrote one.

"Pudsey will always be in everyone's hearts, he was an amazing dog," added another.

We're with them on that one.