THE cameras rolled in to Brentwood for the filming of Simon Cowell's latest television venture, a talent show for dogs.
Some 60 performing pooches and tail-wagging wannabes from all over the country followed their owners down to the Essex Dog Training Centre, in Doddinghurst Road, on Monday and Tuesday to take part in the audition stage of Take The Lead.
The Brentwood venue hosted the audition stage of the programme, which is expected to be aired in the run-up to Christmas and go head-to-head with BBC favourite Strictly Come Dancing.
It is expected to feature dogs dancing on stage, encouraged by their owners.
Hosting the 25-strong production crew for the two days of filming, and the mass of star canines, which included collies, Yorkshire terriers, pointers, mongrels and spaniels, was Roy Dyer, who runs the centre.
The 69-year-old said: "It was very, very successful and I think it's going to make very good viewing.
"I mean this is Simon Cowell we are talking about, who is obviously a big, big name in the TV world. It's great for us to be involved."
His own Essex Dog Display Team was also at the event and put on a display of leaping through flaming hoops and other impressive feats of agility as the production crew looked on.
Mr Dyer was told his centre's name and some of the tricks carried out by his canine crew would be used in the TV show.
He added: "It's like everything with dogs, there is no point in trying to get them to do something if they do not want to, but all the dogs today seemed to be really enjoying themselves and this is going to make some great television."
It is rumoured the new programme will be presented by former Strictly Come Dancing judge Alesha Dixon, 34, and that the winners of this year's Britain's Got Talent, Ashleigh Butler, 17, and her dog Pudsey will sit on the judging panel.
