Simon Cowell risked the wrath of Britain's Got Talent viewers on Saturday night, just minutes into the show, as this year's audition rounds came to an end.
Having launched nearly two months ago now, the latest series of the long running programme is now hurtling along at lightning pace, with the BGT final now being in just a week's time. That meant there was just one more chance for hopefuls to bag a spot in next week's live semis.
And, first up to perform for the Britain's Got Talent judges were Michelle and her dog Mouse, with Michelle telling the panel that her big dream for Mouse would be for her to become a model. But, rather than striking a pose, Mouse bid for a place in the next round by 'singing' a song that was particularly well known to one of the judges - Alesha Dixon's 2009 hit Breathe Slow.
Alesha couldn't believe it when the music kicked in and sat there laughing as Mouse howled along to the track. First to give his comments, Simon described Mouse's version as 'better than the original', then telling Michelle that he nearly hit his Golden Buzzer for a third time.
Alesha joked that she was 'always up for a challenge' when the idea of her performing a duet with Mouse was floated, before he and owner Michelle got four yeses from the panel, sealing their place in the semi finals.
While all of the judges' decision caused a stir, it was Simon's enthusiasm for the act, given he's very publicly dismissed animal acts in the past, that became the biggest talking point.
One critic took to Twitter to post: "Why is Simon trying to become the fun judge now David is gone. Praising a f**king dog for barking," with another, equally annoyed viewer tweeting: "Rarely watch #bgt these days and them putting that dog through is one example of why. What a load of rubbish."
A third commented: "The wailing dog getting 4 yeses? Oh f**k off"
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