TV Pudsey’s “squeaky clean” owner “broke the girl code” by having a fling with her friend’s lover — a world champion dog trainer. Britain’s Got Talent winner Ashleigh Butler and Anthony Clarke, both 27, sneaked off for a string of trysts at shows in the UK and abroad. He broke down when long-term love Holly […]
TV Pudsey’s “squeaky clean” owner “broke the girl code” by having a fling with her friend’s lover — a world champion dog trainer.
Britain’s Got Talent winner Ashleigh Butler and Anthony Clarke, both 27, sneaked off for a string of trysts at shows in the UK and abroad.
He broke down when long-term love Holly Farr, 39, confronted him over pics of them at a dog agility competition.
She found out details of the affair from their show rivals.
Holly was left heartbroken when Anthony said he was dumping her and moved out.
On Saturday he and Ashleigh — who won 2012’s BGT with Pudsey — were spotted together at a dog show near Leicester.
A source said: “Everyone thinks that Ashleigh is this squeaky clean, goody two-shoes.
“But Holly is absolutely devastated by this betrayal. It has turned into a huge mess.”
Ashleigh and equestrian events organiser Holly became friends after they were introduced by Anthony.
The source added: “Ashleigh was well aware she was stealing him from Holly. But in recent months they have been having a full-blown affair, carrying on together at shows.
“She broke the girl code, knowing full well he was with another woman — someone she was friends with. It is completely two-faced.”
Holly became suspicious when Anthony started spending less time at home and more time working away.
The source added: “The penny finally dropped when Holly saw Facebook pictures of the show in the Netherlands last month.
“Ashleigh and Anthony were next to each other in every picture. It was clear from their body language that something was going on.”
Holly, of Cirencester, gushes about Anthony on her website.
She writes: “Holly runs the Gloucestershire branch of House of Mutt, beautiful stone house to lounge around with her two young sons (from a previous relationship), miniature dachshund Sambucca and Goose the whippet . . . oh and her partner Anthony, dog trainer to the stars and a former World Agility Champion.”
Just six months ago the pair went on a trip of a lifetime to China. The source added: “Anthony is sorry for what he did and knows he didn’t go about it the right way.
“They should both have been honest with Holly from the start instead of messing about behind her back.
“Holly has been forced to learn most of the details about them seeing each other from their rivals on the dog circuit.
“Everyone feels sorry for her. It could have been avoided.”
Pudsey, a border collie, bichon frise, and Chinese crested powderpuff cross, became Britain’s most famous dog after his win.
He and Ashleigh met the Queen at the 2012 Royal Variety Performance.
Pudsey starred in his own 2014 movie and was voiced by BGT judge David Walliams.
Tragically the talented dog was put down in 2017 due to terminal leukaemia.
In a post announcing his death to her 36,000 Twitter followers, Ashleigh, from Northampton, wrote: “I can’t honestly believe I am writing these words.
“My poor handsome is 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.
“Sleep tight my handsome man, I love you lots xxxx”
Ashleigh began training dogs aged five.
She and new hound Sully scooped the small breed agility prize at Crufts in 2018 and again this year.
In a previous interview she said: “My life has changed drastically since winning BGT. I now get to perform on stages across the country, travel the world doing what I love.”
Ashleigh has also become a regular face on TV screens since winning the talent show.
Speaking on Lorraine in March, Ashleigh revealed she was surprised at the backlash she received for “replacing” Pudsey.
She said: “Sully has been with me since he was a pup — he grew up with Pudsey. People had this idea I just went out and got another one. I’d already had Sully for about four years, he was in training so it was a natural step to bring him into that spotlight.
“It was like losing a family member. It was quite difficult but Sully was there and helped me through it. He knows he’s clever. I’m very lucky I’ve had two incredible dogs.”
Ashleigh refused to comment last night. Asked about her split from Anthony, Holly also declined to comment.
