Life with the 'ugliest' dog who now stars in Deadpool and Wolverine

Peggy’s rise to fame was ‘surreal’, says owner

Holly Middleton Peggy – a cross between a pug and a Chinese Crested – wears a colourful bib and has a long pink tongue in her mouth — Peggy’s rise to fame was ‘surreal’, says owner

The transformation of Britain’s “ugliest” dog into a Hollywood star was unexpected and “surreal”, his owner has said.

Peggy appears alongside Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in the latest Marvel superhero film, Deadpool & Wolverine.

The five-year-old pug – a cross between a pug and a Chinese Crested – was chosen to play the role of ‘Dogpool’ after finding fame last year as a crowned the ugliest dog during a national competition last year.

Looking back on the past 18 months, Peggy’s owner Holly Middleton, from East Yorkshire, said: “Not in my wildest dreams would I have imagined anything like this could happen.”

Holly Middleton, with Peggy and her husband Luke

Holly Middleton, wearing a black dress, gold necklace and tattoos on her arm, smiles and holds her dog Peggy, who is wearing a black and red suit, at a Deadpool and Wolverine promotional event. Her husband, wearing a burgundy tuxedo, white shirt and black tie, stands next to her. — Holly Middleton, with Peggy and her husband Luke

“When we submitted her photo (to the ugly dog contest), I didn’t think it would reach the heights it did,” she added.

“I didn’t think it would be such a big deal.”

Peggy will make an appearance in a Hull cinema later. She is is set to meet fans at Cineworld, Kingswoodat 10:30 BST.

However, despite amassing “a massive fan base”, Ms Middleton said Peggy did not display any “diva behaviour” at home.

On the contrary, the usually “reserved and lazy” pugese had gained “a little more confidence” from the trainer in charge of looking after her during the filming of Deadpool & Wolverine.

“She’s still good old Peg,” Mrs Middleton said.

Reuters Ryan Reynolds wears a green T-shirt and holds Peggy the dog. He kisses her on the side of the head. She wears a red and black superhero costume and has a long pink tongue. — Ryan Reynolds kisses his co-star Peggy

The 37-year-old makeup artist said the family missed Peggy when she was away filming.

“It was really strange not having her here,” her owner said. “I have two boys and they missed her terribly.”

“We didn’t tell them where she was. Everything had to be kept secret.

“I’m glad she’s back. We missed her.”

Holly and Luke with Peggy in her “Dogpool” costume

Holly Middleton A smiling Holly Middleton, wearing a black dress, holds her dog Peggy, who is wearing a black and red superhero costume, while her husband Luke, who is wearing a tuxedo and white shirt, kicks Peggy in the chin. — Holly and Luke with Peggy in her “Dogpool” costume

Watching Peggy make her debut at a New York premiere and being Red carpet outfits by Hollywood stars It was “surreal,” Ms Middleton said.

“I loved it. Peggy looked really comfortable the whole time, like most people probably would be if they were being cuddled by Ryan Reynolds.

“They really, really seem to love her and they’re so gentle with her, and you can see it… they’re giving her kisses and lightly petting her head.

“I loved every second of it. I loved seeing her up there doing her thing.

“She looked so relaxed and happy.”

Ms Middleton said she had no future film roles planned at the moment and that Peggy was content to stay at home.

“She’s a pet first and foremost,” she added. “She loves nothing more than to snuggle up on the couch or curl up in her bed.”

Peggy Joins Deadpool and Wolverine Cast After Winning Ugliest Dog Title in 2023

Reuters' Pugese dog Peggy, with her tongue hanging out, wears a black and red superhero costume — Peggy Joins Deadpool and Wolverine Cast After Winning Ugliest Dog Title in 2023

Despite Peggy’s global fame, Ms Middleton said she was “just like any other dog walked in the village” – although she “absolutely loves” the attention and has become accustomed to turning people’s heads.

“When I read the comments online, they are all very positive and very supportive of Peggy, saying how beautiful she is.

“Before all this, his looks were enough to attract attention, but usually people would nudge each other and whisper, ‘Oh, what’s wrong with that dog?’

“Since all this happened, the public perception of Peggy, whether she’s beautiful, ugly or otherwise, has definitely changed for the better.”

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