It was the dream job that everyone raced to stick an application in for last year, and now it’s back again for 2021.
After one of its most successful years to date in 2020, Canine Cottages has announced that applications are now open for its fourth annual ‘Canine Critics‘ competition, where dogs and their owners can battle for one of 10 coveted positions to act as the company’s “paws on the ground” that are responsible for reviewing cottage holidays, getting involved on social media, and sniffing out the very best adventures across the UK.
What is it that makes the role of a Canine Critic so popular then?
Well, the rewards for becoming a Canine Critic include a £1,000 voucher for a cottage holiday, and a doggy bag that’s full to the brim with treats.
Lucky winners will also be quite-rightly celebrated on the Canine Cottages website and will get to appear regularly across the company’s active social media channels.
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In its debut year, Canine Critics received just over 7,000 applications, followed by 50,000 in its second year, but in 2020, when the popularity of staycations were at an all-time high due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were more than 60,000 applicants.
The rewards for becoming a Canine Critic include a £1,000 voucher for a cottage holiday / Credit: Canine Cottages
“Canine Critics 2020 was just the light-hearted fun we all needed, and it’s been a pleasure to send so many beautiful pups on their holidays this year to explore what the UK has to offer,” said Shannon Kear, PR & Communications Manager at Canine Cottages.
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“Although the judging process is never easy, the last litter of critics have been wonderful, and we’ve all got to know and love each of them.
“So this year, we’re recruiting another 10 four-legged friends to join our pack and explore with their humans, giving their paw of approval to our canine-friendly properties.”
One of last year’s winners – Ronnie – had a fantastic time being a Canine Critic.
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Former Canine Critic Ronnie’s pup-parent commented: “We’ve loved being a part of the Canine Critics team. Such beautiful homes in beautiful places – the hardest part is picking one out of the amazing selection [but] we love visiting new places and exploring hidden gems so we can’t wait to share our experiences with other adventure-seeking dog owners.
“The team are so helpful and their customer service is second to none.
“Being a Canine Critic is a fantastic experience and will leave us with memories to cherish forever.”
How could you pass up on this perfect staycation opportunity?
It couldn’t be easier to stick an application in either, as all you’ll need to do is fill out a simple application form and provide a photo of you and your furry friend to be in with a chance of being picked.
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This year, Ali Taylor – Battersea’s Head of Canine Behaviour and star of ITV’s Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs – will be joining the panel to judge the rescue category.
You can apply via the Canine Cottages website here.
Featured Image – Canine Cottages
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Role Model at O2 Apollo, Manchester – a night where everyone wanted to be Sally | Review
Clementine Hall
The O2 Apollo was a sea of cowboy hats and gingham for Role Model’s return to Manchesteron his No Place Like Tour.
If you don’t know who Role Model is, then you’re probably not a 20-something year old girl addicted to TikTok and strawberry matcha like me – and that’s absolutely fine, but Role Model, aka Tucker Pillsbury, is more than just a social star with a couple of viral hits.
His steep incline to stardom, especially through his latest album Kansas Anymore released last summer, and the follow-up deluxe Kansas Anymore (The Longest Goodbye), earlier this year, has recently seen him perform on SNL with Charli XCX, as well as this week featuring in People’s Magazine Sexiest Man Alive 2025 edition in the centrefold spot, no less.
So it’s safe to say, he really is the man of the moment.
Role Model on stage at O2 Apollo Manchester in November 2025 / Image: The Manc Group
The all-American heartthrob wasted no time getting into his catalogue of hits, kicking things off with ‘Writing’s On The Wall’, before transitioning smoothly into ‘Look At That Woman’ and ‘Scumbag’, all taken from his 2024 album.
Guitar firmly in hand, Role Model shimmied across the stage effortlessly as a sea of adoring fans sang every single word back without fail.
The highlights from the show are never-ending, like taking a seat and singing the beautiful ‘Something, Somehow, Someday’ from a leather notebook – which he tells us is “my favourite song I’ve ever written, and I’m going to read it to you like a story”.
His vocals are identical to the studio recordings, and the energy in the room was just how you wanted it to be, especially during the iconic bridge in ‘Some Protector’.
Presuming you’re not familiar with the Role Model lore? Well, allow me to fill you in.
Each night during the undeniable smash-hit, ‘Sally, When the Wine Runs Out’, Tucker brings out a special guest to be that night’s so-called ‘Sally’ and dance on stage with him.
On the European tour so far, London were treated to Lewis Capaldi and Niall Horan back to back, so it’s safe to say we were waiting with baited breath to be introduced to our very-own Sally.
Although we didn’t get anyone famous (we were hoping he’d go super meta and get Sally from Corrie, but alas), what did get was arguably better. A lovely, smiling fan who held Tucker’s hand and had the absolute time of her life for that one-minute where all eyes were on her – this is what it’s truly all about, at the end of the day.
If anyone in that crowd went home without feeling a bit in love with Role Model, then I’d be very surprised.
His effortless charisma oozed throughout the performance, and we can’t wait to welcome him back in Manchester again.
Maybe next time, I’ll be Sally.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
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Jamie Carragher fires back at journalist after being turned away from Etihad away end
Danny Jones
Jamie Carragher has fired back at a tabloid journalist after he reported on the ex-footballer being turned away from the Borussia Dortmund away end during their meeting against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this week.
The former Liverpool and England player was reporting on the Champions League match as part of his usual ‘Golazo’ duties for the US on Wednesday, 5 November, and was hoping to join in with travelling fans during the game.
Carragher became part of the ‘yellow wall’ last year during their UCL fixture against Chelsea, being adopted as a Dortmund supporter for the day, but was not granted the same privilege upon arriving at the Etihad this time around.
Daily Mail journalist Mike Keegan wrote a piece explaining how the working presenter was turned away due to safety concerns raised by security at Man City, but the 47-year-old has now given his own retort.
Just trying to have a good time with the Dortmund fans Mike, it was no problem it wasn’t allowed. Next time message me & I’ll tell you all you need to know, rather than Simon at Man City giving you a story. Probably explains why you’re so sympathetic around the 115 charges.
As you can see, the retired defender turned Sky Sports and CBS pundit was less than pleased with the piece, clarifying that there was “no problem” over the decision, asking instead why he didn’t contact him directly for a comment.
In addition to seemingly naming names, he also couldn’t resist the urge as a rival Red to take a jab at City’s ever-looming FFP breaches, suggesting that the outlet has been somewhat biased in its coverage of the ongoing saga.
However, Keegan didn’t let the spat pass without his own right of reply.
Reacting directly underneath the response, the sports writer added: “I already knew the facts, Jamie, but you clearly don’t.
“Next time you’re covering a game at City, you should probably apologise to Simon for wrongly accusing him of being the source on the story.”
Either way, this is as far as Carragher got on his way to the ground:
While it is still unclear as to who exactly ‘Carra’ and Keegan are referring to in their exchange, many have speculated that it could be Simon Pearce: a non-executive director at the club and part of the CFG (City Football Group) board; he has been tied to the ongoing allegations of financial deception.
Onto the action pitchside, not only did scoring machine Erling Haaland come back to haunt his former team once again, but the Blues ran, maybe not riot, but much closer to their vintage best, with Stockport’s very own bagging a brace and Rayan Cherki scoring his first UCL goal under Pep Guardiola.
Emily Sergeant -
7th September 2021 
