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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Trailer for Clayface gives closer look at Batman villain in new DC film shot in Greater Manchester
Danny Jones
DC have dropped a brand-new trailer for the upcoming Clayface film: a new ‘body horror’ movie by the Hollywood studio and superhero franchise.
Giving the first extended look at the cult favourite Batman villain, it’s set to be one of the darkest and most disturbing big-budget DC projects for some time.
Set to release on 23 October, it drops in just time for ‘spooky season’, and judging by this latest trailer, they’re certainly doubling down on the creepiest sides of the character. If you’re a bit squeamish, we’d say proceed with caution:
It’s certainly a striking reveal and has some of the most mature themes we’ve seen from DC over the years; that’s what you get when you park a supervillain like this.
For anyone who hasn’t come across Clayface before, it is an alias used by multiple individuals in the comics, including Basil Karlo and Preston Payne.
However, this version of the alter ego follows the story of Matt Hagen, a struggling actor who suffers serious disfiguration and experiments with experimental science before embarking on a tale of revenge.
While this differs somewhat from Hagen’s original backstory, without straying into spoiler territory, there’s plenty to be made from the trailer, as you can see.
If you’re wondering what kind of film to expect beyond what you’re now already aware of, it’s worth noting that James Watkins is known for films such as The Woman In Black (2012), Bastille Day (2016), and the heavily nominated James McAvoy-led movie, Speak No Evil (2024).
We were lucky enough to walk past their other major period of filming over in Manchester city centre last September, where the often-used Castlefield doubled as Gotham.
Oasis’ (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? named biggest UK studio album EVER by Official Charts
Danny Jones
You’re damn right: Oasis continue to be MASSIVE as new figures from the Official Charts Company have confirmed that (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? has clocked in as the biggest UK studio album of all time.
The Britpop icons and history go hand in hand.
Yes, according to the latest numbers by our domestic chart-crunchers, only two other albums surpassed Oasis‘ second LP – and they’re both greatest hits collections.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, 22 July, just over a whole year on from those reunion world tour shows at Heaton Park. How fitting.
Starting off by channelling Liam Gallagher energy and quipping that “Oasis vibes are in the area”, they go on to explain the colossal cumulative record.
“Oasis claim one of the biggest honours in British music history, they write, “as (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? is named the UK’s Official biggest studio album of all time, according to new Official Charts Company data.”
Combining UK sales of the record – both physical and digital over the years – along with modern streaming statistics, the sophomore outing from the Britpop giants has amassed approximately 6.2 million UK chart units. Staggering stuff.
Last year’s Live ’25 shows have no doubt helped give an added boost to their metrics, but it’s still gargantuan stuff from the local band.
Yet another incredible stat not just for the Burnage boys but the Manchester music scene as a whole.
2026 looks to be just as big a comeback, by the looks of things.
In case you were wondering who beat them out in the race for the top spot, they were pipped to the post by Queen’s Greatest Hits and the same again from ABBA, two worthy opponents to take third place after.
You can see the rest of the list in full right HERE.
Oh, and Definitely Maybe also made the list, too, coming in at number 39 – making that two in the top 50 even amongst all the compilations.
It feels like last July all over again, doesn’t it? And if now isn’t the perfect time to stick on the title track, we don’t know what is.
Actually, sod it – we’re sticking the full thing on…
Emily Sergeant -
7th September 2021 
