A PLAYFUL pooch is set for superstardom after appearing on a national TV advert which celebrates pets’ mischievous antics.

Two-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier Jaffa was handpicked from thousands of fun-loving pets to appear on the Pet Moments advert, created by pet retailer Pets at Home.

The advert wanted to showcase the unique relationship British pet owners have with their furry friends.

Jaffa, who lives in Haydon Wick, was filmed joyfully diving into muddy puddles near Mouldon Hill by owner Richard Neale.

“I thought, I need to get this on camera as people will not believe she does this,” said the 49-year-old.

“It’s well known that she hates the rain and refuses to go for a walk at the slightest hint of it.

“We’re so excited that Jaffa was on TV, but I always knew she had star quality.”

Richard and partner Michelle adopted the chocolate brown Staffie from Michelle’s daughter Amy in December 2013, and she quickly developed a special bond with the couple.

“Straight away she was part of the family,” said Richard. “She does everything we do, goes for walks, to the local shop, on holidays with us.

“She’s definitely a daddy’s girl, she’ll follow me around. I’m a soft touch with her, she’ll expect to get food from me and I usually give in, whereas Michelle’s a bit tougher.”

After seeing the pet retailer was looking for fun home videos of pets, Richard sent through the clip and was shocked when Jaffa was selected.

He said: “I thought it was hilarious so I filmed it but I didn’t imagine she would get chosen.”

Proud ‘parents’ Richard and Michelle sat down to watch Jaffa’s small screen debut when the advert aired last Wednesday, and have high hopes for the Staffie star’s burgeoning TV career, with the advert due to be shown again on April 22 during the Coronation Street break.

“We recorded the advert and watched it a few times,” said Richard.

“We’re like proud parents watching our little girl on the TV.

“Maybe this will be the first step on her road to stardom.

“This advert is great because it’s helping to shed the negative reputation Staffies have. They’re affectionate, mischievous and so much fun.

“Jaffa is an absolute diva, she’ll often just stop walking for no reason and she definitely won’t do anything that she doesn’t want to.

“She’s got two settings, flat-out or dead relaxed.”

At home, Jaffa spends her time tucking into her owners’ roast dinners, going on twice daily country walks, snuggling up to watch TV and avoiding cat Chloe, affectionately known as Clozza.