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ELLIE SIMMONDS on why it is a treat to be presenting coverage of Crufts

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For animal lover Ellie Simmonds, it's a dream come true to be mingling with the furry, four-legged competitors taking part in this year's Crufts as she joins the C4 presenting line-up for the worldfamous dog show, which is being held at the NEC in Birmingham.

The Paralympian swimming champion will present alongside regulars Clare Balding and Radzi Chinyanganya as well as another newcomer to the team - former professional rugby-union player Ed Jackson.

'I'm going to be interviewing breeders, owners and meeting their lovely dogs. I'm also going to be choosing my "Dog of the Day," says Ellie as TV Times catches up with her for an exclusive chat.

Here, Ellie, 30, tells us why this is the paw-fect job for her and what she's looking forward to most as Crufts marks its 75th anniversary of being broadcast...

How does it feel to be joining as a presenter?

I'm obsessed with dogs and I grew up not far from Birmingham's NEC. I've been to Crufts several times as a spectator, so to be part of the show is just wonderful.

I know Clare, Radzi and Ed because we've all presented together for the Olympics and Paralympics, so it's great to be reunited with them. The only difference is this time we'll be talking about dogs, not athletes!

Do you have a dog of your own?

Not yet, but it's definitely in the pipeline. The timing has never been right until now. I left home when I was 17, and with all my swimming training, it wouldn't have been fair to have a pet.