Wycombe's Christmas show will go on despite the death much-loved four-legged stage star, Pudsey the dog. 

Heartbroken Ashleigh Butler, Pudsey's owner, announced on July 22 that her furry sidekick had sadly passed away following a short battle with leukaemia. 

The pair were due to perform in Jack and the Beanstalk at the High Wycombe theatre from December 9, with Ashleigh taking on the role of Princess Apricot and Pudsey at her side. 

Pudsey's death threw the panto's future in doubt, but the Wycombe Swan has now confirmed that the show will go on, with Ashleigh's other dog Sully performing instead. 

Professor Jonathan Shalit OBE - whose company ROAR represents Ashleigh and Pudsey - said: "Pudsey’s passing has saddened us all. He was a remarkable dog and the combination of Ashleigh and Pudsey was magical.

"However we are pleased to say that just like Lassie and James Bond – Sully will now emulate Pudsey to entertain and bring joy to as many families as Pudsey was able to do.

"Once Ashleigh’s heartache has eased, she looks forward to continuing with her career.

"This year Ashleigh will be seen staring with Pudsey (Sully) in Jack and the Beanstalk this coming Christmas at the High Wycombe Swan Theatre." 

Pudsey and his owner Ashleigh Butler rose to fame in 2012 when they became the first dog trick act to win Britain's Got Talent and went on to present two series' of their own TV show, appeared on American television programmes including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, released Pudsey: My Autobidography - which sold-out within three days - and released a hit movie. 

Speaking after the death of her beloved best friend, Ashleigh said: "On Thursday 20 July, after Pudsey's short battle against leukaemia, I had to make the hardest decision of my life to let my beautiful boy go to sleep at the age of 11.

"From the minute he was born he brought nothing but joy to me, and as a winner of BGT millions of others who adored him too. No words can express just how much I will miss him.

"He changed my life and I have so many wonderful memories of our time together. He will always be in my heart."

Sully is also an agility champion having represented England twice at the World Agility Open Championships, a gold medal winner and is now the current Games World Champion.

Sully won the Crufts Agility in March 2017 and made his stage debut last year in Jack and the Beanstalk for Qdos Entertainment in December 2016, alongside Ashleigh, Pudsey and Simon Webb.