Two important companions in Julian's life are his beautiful mongrel Valerie, ("mother a whippety affair -  father unknown"), and a bad tempered cat called Gloria, (named after Gloria Hunniford).

Julian was quite keen for his new dog Valerie to follow in Fanny's paw prints and he took her along to the studio's with him while recording the second series of  'It's Only TV, But I Like It'  for BBC1.  It was her first public appearance in front of a large studio audience and she was a bit overwhelmed by it all.  She cowered under Julian's legs and was very keen to leave the set. 

Her next foray into the TV world was when Julian was interviewed by the ex-Arsenal and England player Ian Wright, for his popular light entertainment show 'Friday Night's All Wright'  on ITV1.  Unfortunately she suffered another bout of stage fright and her first television appearance was left on the cutting room floor.

Valerie finally made her television debut on the 28th of December 2001.  She was the final surprise guest on Julian's  'This Is Your Life'  tribute on BBC1.  
She accompanied June Whitfield on stage, and was brave enough to stay for the remainder of the recording.

Although Julian still insists Valerie has "no talent" she has been seen and talked about on a few more television programmes with him, such as 'Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, This Morning, and more recently, Terry & Gaby' (June 2003).

Julian has tried to introduce Valerie to live theatre work, and carried her on stage with him at the Wimbledon Theatre a few years ago, but she was very nervous, and is yet to show her true potential for a career in showbusiness. 

Julian & Valerie were among seven celebrities who took part in BBC1's 'Celebrity Dog School' series, raising money for Children in Need.

The dogs were put through their paces each week by professional dog trainers, in preparation for a 'Best In Show' competition shown on November 15th.

Valerie did well to come fourth in the grand final, considering how nervous she was in front of the TV cameras, scoring 35 out of a possible 60.

Valerie's Results
Sit, Stay & Recall	9 out of 15
Heel Work	6 out of 15
Send Away	11 out of 15
Scent Retrieval	9 out of 15

A BIG THANK YOU
to all of you who voted for Julian & Valerie in Children In Need's
Celebrity Dog School 'Best In Series' award.

The phone poll result was announced live on BBC1 on 21st November, with all the celebrities and their dogs present, and Valerie was the winner !!!

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