They’re big paws to fill, but I’m thrilled to announce that I have been cast as Alfred the Second in the forthcoming tour of Heartbeat. I’m aware that I wasn’t first choice for the job, and that the original Alfred from the TV series was ‘unavailable’, whatever that means! He’s probably trying to give the impression that he’s too busy, but to be honest, apart from a walk-on in Midsomer Murders, and that embarrassing Pet Plan insurance advert (the things we do for money!), it seems that his career has stagnated somewhat.

Anyway, back to me.  As I say, I will be playing Alfred II in the National Tour of ITV's highly-successful 60s police drama, HEARTBEAT, alongside David Lonsdale (David Stockwell) and Steven Blakeley (PC Geoff Younger) in a 17-week tour which opens at the Grand Theatre, Blackpool on Wednesday 16 March before going...well, everywhere.  Apparently you have to go to www.heartbeatontour.com and press on 'Tour Dates' to find out where.  I tried it but my paw covered eight of those little button things on the keyboard.  When will there be a decent computer keyboard for dogs?

I'll be 'blogging' regularly from now on so you can hear how rehearsals are going, what a nightmare the other cast members are, how many other animals are in the cast, etc, etc direct from the horse's, sorry, dog's mouth.  

Alfred, on hearing the news he had been cast in the touring production of HEARTBEAT.
(Note the overwhelming sense of excitement)