Image: Channel 4 Press
By Jon Donnis
Crufts, the world's most prestigious dog show, is back for 2025, with Channel 4 and More 4 broadcasting nearly 20 hours of live coverage from the Birmingham NEC. The event runs from 6th to 9th March, showcasing the very best in canine agility, obedience, and showmanship. This year, Clare Balding returns as the lead presenter, marking the 75th anniversary of Crufts being televised. She will be joined by regular reporter Radzi Chinyanganya and two exciting new faces, Paralympic champion Ellie Simmonds and former professional rugby player Ed Jackson. Together, they will bring viewers all the latest action, interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments from the biggest dog show in the world.
The competition will see more than 200 pedigree breeds from 51 countries competing for the highly sought-after Best in Show title, which will be awarded live on Channel 4 on the evening of 9th March. Alongside the main show ring events, the programme will feature some of Crufts' most beloved competitions, including Flyball, Agility, Heelwork to Music, The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, and Scruffts, which gives crossbred dogs a chance to shine. Resident vet Dr Paul Manktelow will also be on hand throughout the coverage to provide expert advice on dog health and welfare, ensuring viewers receive valuable insights into caring for their pets.
Clare Balding, a familiar face at Crufts, shared her excitement about returning to the event, calling it one of the highlights of her year. She expressed her love for learning about different breeds, celebrating the bond between dogs and their owners, and, of course, the drama of the Best in Show finale. Ellie Simmonds, a passionate dog lover, described the opportunity to be involved in the broadcast as a dream come true, having attended Crufts as a spectator for years. Ed Jackson, experiencing the event for the first time, said he was eager to take in everything from the perfectly groomed show dogs to the high-energy agility stars. Radzi Chinyanganya described Crufts as an unmissable four days of excitement, packed with heartwarming stories and expert advice.
Pete Andrews, Head of Sport at Channel 4, highlighted the growing popularity of Crufts and the increasing demand for coverage. He confirmed that this year will feature the most extensive broadcast schedule to date, allowing dog lovers across the UK to watch their favourite events live on Channel 4 and More 4 or catch up via Channel 4 Streaming. Organised by The Kennel Club, Crufts is not just about competition but also about celebrating the vital roles dogs play in people's lives, from working dogs to beloved family pets.
With around 24,000 dogs in attendance over the four days, Crufts 2025 promises to be an unmissable event for dog lovers. Whether tuning in for the impressive skills on display, the inspiring Hero Dog stories, or the excitement of the Best in Show finale, viewers can expect four days filled with passion, dedication, and, of course, plenty of wagging tails.
No comments:
Post a Comment