Ashleigh Butler and her dog Pudsey made history as the first dog act to win Britain's Got Talent back in 2012. Now, 14 years later, she is loved-up with her famous boyfriend, Byron Witchell, and has a new performing pooch named Nacho.
A Historic Victory
Ashleigh Butler and her remarkably gifted dog Pudsey found their place in the record books as the first-ever dog act to triumph on Britain's Got Talent. The pair captivated audiences throughout the programme's sixth series in 2012, with Pudsey – an endearing cross between Border Collie, Bichon Frise, and Chinese Crested – wowing the judges with his ingenious tricks.
Alesha Dixon became visibly emotional at the time, declaring: "I can't cope, this moment is too much. You're showing people what dogs can do when they have good homes and are loved. I can't cope. You're the ones to beat." Amanda Holden shared the excitement, gushing: "That was unbelievable, forget diamonds, Pudsey is everybody's best friend, he's just gorgeous."
Their spectacular dance performance set to the Mission Impossible theme during the grand finale clinched their win over rivals Jonathan and Charlotte, leading Simon Cowell to announce with satisfaction: "My life's work is now complete."
Life After BGT
Becoming famous changed everything for the dynamic duo, with Ashleigh securing a lucrative book deal valued at £350,000. These earnings boosted their already healthy bank balance, which included their £500,000 BGT prize money and a further £150,000 payment for a festive pantomime appearance that Christmas.
Fourteen years later, Ashleigh still puts pups through their paces for the public's enjoyment. Last month she appeared at the world's greatest dog show, Crufts, with a crossbreed pooch called Nacho (Glendream Another Monster Of Ashpen), taking part in the Royal Kennel Club Singles Agility competition and winning the Medium Singles final. Ashleigh also presented alongside hosts Claire Balding and Claudia Winkleman.
Writing on Instagram about being at the show, Ashleigh said: "Loved being back competing after a break last year. Nacho exceeded my expectations to become the medium singles winner at his first year competing there. Another fun year being part of the presenting and commentary team, I still have to pinch myself sometimes."
Support from Boyfriend Byron Witchell
Ashleigh was supported at the show by her rarely-seen famous boyfriend, Byron Witchell. Although Ashleigh appears to avoid mentioning Byron very often on her Instagram, his own page describes him as an "Actor/Singer/Children's Entertainer/MC/Host." Last year, the pair appeared in panto together, starring in Cinderella at Gravesend Theatre, Kent, with Ashleigh and her dog Sully as Fairy G and Furry G, and Byron as Buttons.
On Byron's Instagram, he posted a picture of the pair of them together at Crufts, sitting on the presenters' sofa, saying how proud he was of Ashleigh's win: "Crufts 2026 - what an incredible experience!! Soo unbelievably proud of the amazing @ashleighbutler7 & of course the adorable Nacho for their win. Also such a pleasure getting to meet such a talented team of presenters & crew, including the wonderful @clarebalding, claudiawinkle, @iamradzi & commentator legend Jim Rosenthal - a truly unforgettable 4 days!"
In response, Ashleigh thanked her 'sexy' boyfriend for all his help, and declared her love for him, saying: "Awwww this is so cute - thank you for being there for us and being so supportive #TopGroom. You were amazing and knew exactly what I needed when I needed it, from coffee runner, to picking up dog [poo] - love you sexy xx."
New Beginnings Together
Now it appears that Ashleigh and Byron have taken their relationship a step further, by moving into a new home together. Earlier this week, Ashleigh took to her Instagram Stories to post a picture of her with Bryan outside the new property, proudly holding a set of keys, captioning it: "New beginnings." She followed it up with another image on Thursday that showed her working out in a new gym. Ashleigh also included a picture of the couple's hands holding Champagne glasses in front of their new fireplace.
Although not much is known about Ashleigh and Byron's relationship, he describes himself online as "a dynamic performer born and raised on the breathtaking South coast amid the scenic beauty of the New Forest."
Remembering Pudsey
Heartbreakingly, Ashleigh's BGT-winning dog Pudsey died in July 2017 following a battle with acute leukaemia, prompting a devastated Ashleigh to post on social media: "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. 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."
Yet Ashleigh found solace again through Sully, a dog remarkably similar in appearance to Pudsey. The pair achieved triumph at Crufts in March 2018 before appearing on Britain's Got Talent: The Champions, though they finished third in their heat and failed to progress to the grand finale.
