Simon Cowell, Eggs and BaconGate and how Pinky and Perky got bigger than the Beatles

'My life's work is now complete, I adore you, you are one of my favourite ever acts,' gushed Simon Cowell.
So who was he talking about? One Direction? Leona Lewis? Surely not Rylan Clark?

No it was none of the above, it was in fact Ashleigh and that cutesy dog, Pudsey, winners of Britain's Got Talent in May, 2012.

Animals and show biz make uncomfortable bedfellows, or so they say. You need look no further than the Godfather to realise there is a profound truth in that statement. However, this has not always been the case, in fact it now seems that adding an animal or two can do wonders to your ratings. Here are just a few examples to get you thinking:

1. 'Pussy Cat' Willum and Wally Whyton

At the height of his success, Pussy Cat Willum was receiving over 400 fan letters a week, out doing the star of the show, Wally Whyton and anyone else involved with Rediffusion.

2. Those crazy, castrato pigs, Pinky and Perky

During a somewhat turbulent career the pigs managed to not only squeak out16 EPs and 11 albums, but also shared the bill on Morecambe and Wise with the Beatles and appeared in 4 episodes of the Ed Sullivan Show (the Beatles only managed 3).

3. Lulu - the incontinent elephant who put the 'Blue' into Peter

A regular replay on TV since 1969 and a popular video on YouTube.

4. Troy Tempest and Marina (half woman half fish)

Harp playing all-rounder Marina was the love interest in the big hit show Stingray, during the 60s both here in the UK and America.

5. Postman Pat and the inseparable Jess, the cat

An ever popular stalwart on our TV for over 30 years now

6. Zig and Zag

These furry twins from the planet Zog, although not strictly animals (well not as we know them anyway) were winners of the TV Personality of the Year Award in both 1988 and 1989. Success with record sales was helped by the ubiquitous Simon Cowell (2 singles with RCA)

Simon Cowell hates eggs

Apart from a few sporadic Ebay vintage record sales, not even Simon Cowell could save Pinky and Perky's bacon. And as for eggs, we learnt on June 9th that Simon hates them. This was brought to the fore after the egg throwing incident staged by Natalie Holt of the Raven Quartet who said, "I basically took a stand against people miming on television and against Simon and his dreadful influence on the music industry." What does she mean?

So how are Ashleigh and Pudsey doing? Apparently things couldn't be better. As well as mixing with celebrities such as Morgan Freeman and Gary Barlow they've also appeared with Jay Leno and on the Royal Variety show. They haven't been out of work. As well as doubling their £500,000 winnings, reports are that Pudsey has recently gone solo and is making his first feature film.

For music's sake lets hope there's not a bust up over artistic differences looming on the horizon.