Not content with Atlantic straddling talent shows, and a pending rival to MasterChef due to air on ITV, Simon Cowell now wants to launch a talent show for dogs ('cause that's not been done already). In other words, he sat stroking his chin on a yacht somewhere, and thought: "Dogs keep making it to the live finals of Britain's Got Talent… hang on a second…"

Tentatively entitled Take The Lead, it will first appear as part of ITV's Christmas schedule and will be every PETA member's idea of a living hell - dog costumes, trick performing for treats, a baying studio audience and a million flashing lights.

BGT's Alesha Dixon will present, while BGT winners Ashleigh and Pudsey will judge. Essentially, this is just a vehicle for recently poached presenters with little else to do and BGT winners who don't have an album they can peddle. On the upside just think of all the kennel action you're bound to get, Pudsey.