Saddleworth canine star Linda Biscuits recognised by BAFTA for work on Joe Lycett show

Chilli the fox red Labrador appeared as Linda Biscuits on Channel 4’s Late Night Lycett. Image courtesy of Rachel Bean/Animal News Agency

A canine star from Saddleworth has been given the ultimate accolade after being featured at the BAFTA awards ceremony last night (Sunday).

Chilli the fox red Labrador, who is owned by veterinary nurse and canine first aid trainer Rachel Bean, appeared as Linda Biscuits on Channel 4’s Late Night Lycett, and the show won in the best comedy entertainment category last night. 

And in a show reel showing the stand out moments from the award-winning show, Chilli was singled out, in her starring role as Joe’s canine companion and ‘show runner’. 

Rachel, who works at Vets for Pets in Saddleworth and travels the country teaching canine first aid with four year-old Chilli by her side, said: “We always knew that Late Night Lycett has a really good chance of winning the BAFTA, but to see Chilli being singled out for her role was extra special. 

“Sadly ‘Linda’ didn’t attend the awards, but we were watching with bated breath in our living room and were over the moon when she appeared in the reel as part of the presentation.

"Chilli has loved being part of the show, and a huge congratulations to Joe and all the production team for their amazing win.” 

As well as her work in practice and training, Rachel runs the Vet on Set business, which monitors animal welfare on TV and film productions.

At Rachel’s canine first aid training sessions, Chilli also attends as a ‘stunt dog’ acting out some of the emergencies that trainees must respond to in order to pass the qualification. 

Rachel added: “Chilli has been taking part in all that I do since she was ten weeks old and I am so proud of her, she has helped to save so many lives in her first aid work.” 

Too find out more about Rachel Bean, go to: www.rachelbean.co.uk

Meanwhile, Oldhamer Sarah Lancashire (59) picked up best leading actress at the BAFTA awards.

Sarah received the award for her portrayal of Sergeant Catherine Cawood in the final season of Sally Wainwright’s Yorkshire-set thriller Happy Valley.

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