Derry dog groomer Michael Shiels is ‘Pooch Perfect’ on BBC TV show

Michael Shiels on Pooch Perfect - (C) Beyond Productions - Photographer: Becky Robinson

Michael Shiels, who also teaches dog grooming, is known to many grateful dog owners - and their pets - across Derry and the North West. He runs the popular Bark N Beauty Spa and School of Grooming in the city.

Michael has worked his magic on many pooches throughout the years and this Thursday viewers will watch him do so on the small screen.

‘Pooch Perfect,’ which is hosted by actress and TV personality Sheridan Smith sees 16 professionals battle it out to be named top dog groomer.

Michael pictured on the show(C) Beyond Productions - Photographer: Becky Robinson

Michael told the Journal how the show was ‘one of the scariest things’ he has ever done in his life, as he created a grooming masterpiece on a dog he’d never met before, in front of cameras, crew and fellow groomers.

However, he added how it was also one of the ‘most amazing things’ he has ever done and he thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience.

Michael, who has nine dogs of his own, took up dog grooming around 15 years ago. He had previously ‘done a bit of barbering’ and wanted to spruce up his own pet.

He was so good at it, he began to tend to the dogs of family and friends. He then began seeing huge success in competitions and in 2015, left his part time job as a nursing auxiliary in the psychiatric field to take up dog grooming and teaching full time.

Pooch Perfect is on BBC1 on Thursday, January 28 at 8pm.