ONE of the nation’s favourite dogs is back on TV screens - and his return gives North Wales a starring role.

The Dulux dog visits Talacre beach and enjoys a run on the Flintshire coastline for his comeback advert after a break of more than 15 years.

Played by four different dogs, the Old English Sheepdog’s run in sight of the landmark Talacre lighthouse is the climax to the paint company’s new commercial.

And Matt Wright, Flintshire Council’s executive member for tourism and regeneration, is delighted at seeing the beach given such prominence.

He said: “I think it’s absolutely fantastic.

“We know ourselves it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

“This means people across the UK and beyond will now get to see what a great part of the country Flintshire is.

“Ahead of the holiday season this is absolutely perfect time for us.”

Cllr Wright said the beach is already used by other members of the animal kingdom for advertising purposes.

“Our own video advertising has people going along the beach on horses,” he added.

“It is a wonderful beach that goes on for such a long distance and the lighthouse is such a great landmark.”

The Dulux advert sees the dog also pay brief visits to Betws-y-Coed, Snowdonia and Betws-yn-Rhos in the North Wales region as the dog journeys around the UK to help people solve decorating dilemmas.

His return to screens as a painter’s best friend marks a special birthday for the dog.

Fifty years – or 350 dog years – have passed since the first Dulux dog advert.

In the years that followed Shepton Dash and later Fernville Lord Digby helped make him famous.

In total 14 dogs have played the role, although in recent times he has seemingly preferred the kennel over screen stardom.

Fernville Lord Digby’s popularity and talents were such that he starred with Spike Milligan in the 1973 hit film, Digby: The Biggest Dog in the World.

“Fifty years ago an Old English Sheepdog was added to one solitary ad and, at that moment, a British icon was born,” said Letty Edwards from Dulux.

“The dog is now instantly recognisable and synonymous with our brand.”
Talacre was described by the company as “the epitome of the Great British coastline” and work there involved half a day’s filming.

To find out more about the Dulux dogs go to www.dulux.co.uk/50years. The new advert can be viewed at www.facebook.com/dulux.