Britain's Got Talent star Pudsey, the Border Collie cross who won the ITV show - and stole viewers' hearts - as part of derring-do double act Ashleigh and Pudsey in 2012, has died at the age of 11 after a battle with cancer.
Pudsey's devastated owner, Ashleigh Butler, announced the Crufts winner's passing in a heart-rending post on Instagram.
"I can't honestly believe I am writing these words," said the 22-year-old from Northamptonshire. "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," she continued.
Butler said that while she and Pudsey only had 11 years together, "they were the best years ever".
She described him as her "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," she continued.
"Sleep tight my handsome man, I love you lots xxxx."
After triumphing on Britain's Got Talent with his tricks and dancing, Pudsey headed for the big screen in Pudsey the Dog: The Movie, which was released in July 2014 and saw BGT judge David Walliams voicing the canine hero.
Fans have been remembering Pudsey:
We are saddened to hear that today we lost Pudsey, a most marvellous winner. Our thoughts are with Ashleigh. pic.twitter.com/oe0rJj3Q99
— Britain's Got Talent (@BGT) July 21, 2017
So sad to hear gorgeous boy @OfficialPudsey has passed away. Our thoughts are with you Ashleigh. RIP Pudsey. pic.twitter.com/vgtBRyeb9a
— RSPCA (@RSPCA_official) July 21, 2017
Farewell to a very special dog that the nation fell in love with. #Pudsey @BGT
— David Walliams (@davidwalliams) July 21, 2017
So sad to hear this gorgeous talented dog has gone to #doggyheaven @OfficialPudsey pic.twitter.com/bMg7NR8NYK
— Amanda Holden (@AmandaHolden) July 21, 2017
So sad to hear that Pudsey has died He was adorable talented and a joy to work with My love and condolences go to Ashleigh and her family x pic.twitter.com/bHpGSIgKrj
— Bobby Davro (@BobbyDavro1) July 21, 2017
RIP my little mate, you were and will always be a superstar ⭐️🐶 #pudsey pic.twitter.com/WbANihTQtf
— George Sampson (@georgesampson) July 21, 2017
i can't believe pudsey died, rip angel💛 pic.twitter.com/ThzbF1Hw3A
— aoife (@ASHLEYNlCOLETTE) July 21, 2017
Pudsey from Britain's Got Talent has passed away today. Their lives are so short but they leave little paw prints all over our hearts 🐕🌈
— Jade Kirby😊🎮 (@JadeK093) July 21, 2017
