A dog has been sacked from a stage production of Oliver because it kept stealing the limelight.

Bull terrier Bronx played Bill Sikes's dog but he kept distracting the cast and audience.

Owner Edward James said it was because of Bronx's bizarre stage antics: "He flaps his leg and stamps. He got on stage when Bill was having a romantic moment with Nancy and did his dance, with his leg going up and down. Everyone started laughing."

Now Bronx has been replaced in the Southend Operatic and Dramatic Society's production at Cliffs Pavilion in Westcliff, Essex.

You've got to pick a whippet or two...

As long as heee needs meeee...

The original was here.