Former Gladiators wannabe from Sussex enjoys shock meeting with TV star Clare Balding at Crufts

Annette Cerabino, 60, did not place with either of her Pharoah Hounds on the green carpet but was thrilled to be chosen as one of the faces of Channel 4's coverage of the event in Birmingham.

Cerabino who lives in Balatonbereny in Hungary but is originally from Brighton, rubbed shoulders with Balding as part of day two's coverage but admitted that she encountered an unexpected visitor on camera after a woman photobombed their video to hug her dog.

“We weren't in the top five unfortunately but we went to meet Claire Balding and she's put us on the TV,” said Cerabino.

“Someone from The Kennel Club said, 'Claire Balding wants you to open day two with her'.

“We all lined up for the shot with all the dogs around Clare, and we were doing another take but some lady came over, pushed us all out of the way and put her arm around my dog and started taking photos while they were filming.

“I went, I'm sorry, but we're filming and she said, I know, I promised my children I'd be on the telly! It was a very strange thing.”

With her time in the spotlight over, and unwanted filming mates taken away, Cerabino took to Hall 3 at the NEC in Birmingham to take part in Discover Dogs.

Her two Pharoah Hounds, Porscha and Ferrari, were the crowning jewel in the stalls with plenty of people flocking over to learn about the rare breed of dog.

In just four years Porsha has been crowned Hungarian champion, show champion and grand champion to qualify as an international for Crufts, with Ferrari following quickly behind.

Cerabino credits her dogs as the reason behind getting her active again after her fitness career was hijacked by a knee injury.

Having once auditioned to on the TV show Gladiators in the 1990s, the dog lover was sidelined from her active days but has made a gentle return thanks to her dogs own active lifestyles.

“I've got pictures of me running on the treadmill at the studio when they put tape over the running machine so you can't see how fast you're running and have to run a mile in about two minutes,” she said.

“I didn't get through but I was really, really fit. I taught about 17 fitness classes a week and I wore my body out a little bit.

“And then, suddenly, I had a problem where I tore my ligament in my knee. I went to the doctor and had to have an operation but it didn't work.

“I just really was upset. I remember crying saying, fitness was my passion and was being told I could never do these things again.

“Porscha really was my motivation. She gave me the strength that I needed when she came into my life.”

Crufts, run by The Kennel Club, is a unique celebration of happy, healthy dogs and of the loving relationship that they enjoy with their owners. Crufts is held from March 5 to 8 at the NEC Birmingham.

Viewers can follow all the action and highlights on Channel 4 and More4, and for further information and tickets visit crufts.org.uk.