The now famous Pup Idol proved as popular as ever at the weekend, with dozens of dogs entered in the show.

Wildlife presenter Bill Oddie, who lives in South End Green, was on the judging panel.

Mr Oddie, 69, said he watched the event last year and wanted to be involved, so befriended the organisers while out walking on Hampstead Heath.

“It’s just because I wanted to be in a tent with a couple of hundred dogs,” he joked.

“I didn’t want to have to judge them in any way. In fact I find it quite insidious.

“But when you’ve got a couple of judges on the panel, no one knows who’s voting for whom.”

Peter Petchey, 57, of Streatham Hill, was delighted when his English Bull Terrier, Elvis, won the hotly-contested Mr Hampstead competition.

Elvis, who is 18 months old, is originally from Primrose Hill, but had to be re-housed after growling at his owner while she tried to move him off the sofa.

Mr Petchey, who has seven other English Bull Terriers, said: “I think the judges were looking for a dog with attitude and with his good looks, Elvis fits the bill. He is also a bit of a character.”

The event is sponsored by Crown Pet Foods, Savills and Zasman Vets and raised money for the dog charity All Dogs Matter.