THE LATE Queen Mother may have been renowned for favouring Corgis in real life, but actress Sylvia Sims, who portrays the present Queen’s late mother in the current box office smash The Queen, has given her heart to a dog of much more humble origins, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier rescued from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

When Sylvia visited the Home this week to find a new companion, she chose Bell, a five year old Stafford who arrived at the Home as a stray. Battersea were delighted by her choice and the star’s patience during the rehoming process. ‘People do raise their eyebrows when they see me with Bell,’ said Sylvia. ‘I have to explain to everyone what wonderful, gentle dogs they are. Bell has settled in so quickly, and she’s obviously well been well trained by someone in her past.

She’s really lovely, and very contented.’