Sykes (dog)

Sykes (est. 2001 - June 2019) was a dog actor from Clifton, Oxfordshire, England. He was best known in the UK for his appearance as Harvey in Thinkbox's television commercial and, under his real name, in Midsomer Murders (series fourteen to eighteen, inclusive). He also appeared in several Hollywood blockbusters, as well as a UK TV movie, several series, and a miniseries. Originally found as a stray, he was owned by animal trainer and stunt dog specialist Gill Raddings. Since January 2016 Sykes had been in semi-retirement with him no longer being displayed as available for hire on Gill Raddings' agency website. In September 2016, Midsomer Murders announced that Sykes had retired. He died in June 2019.

Sykes
Sykes, appearing at Discover Dogs in 2010
Other name(s)"Harvey" ; Sykes of the Manor; "Sykesie"
SpeciesDog
BreedTerrier Parson Russell
SexMale
BornSykes
est. 2001
believed to be in Clifton, Oxfordshire, England
Died15 or 16 June 2019 (est. age of 18 years)[1]
Nation fromUnited Kingdom
OccupationDog actor
Years active2003-16
OwnerGill Raddings
AppearanceBlack and white fur

History

Sykes was found roaming as a stray.[2] He was rehomed with Gill Raddings, a stunt dog specialist in Clifton, Oxfordshire.[3]

Career

They say you should never work with animals or children but, as far as I'm concerned, it's rubbish because Sykes – as I’ve come to know him – was the consummate professional. It was a joy to work with him.

—Peter Kay[4]

Sykes went on to become a star of the big and small screen, and considered "one of the most beloved TV dogs since Lassie."[5] With an article titled, "He irons, he cooks, he acts - Sykes, the thespian terrier," he graced the cover of the Country Life magazine, dated January 25, 2012.[6] Another article about Sykes and his film career was in The Sunday Times, in February 2012, titled, "Bites, camera, action".[7]

Motion pictures

He appeared in many motion pictures, several of which were Hollywood blockbusters. Films that Sykes appeared in include Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), Alexander (2004), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007), The Other Boleyn Girl (2008), Young Victoria (2009), The Duchess (2008), Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010), The Wolfman (2010), Burke and Hare (2010), Clash of the Titans (2010, and Snow White and the Huntsman (2012).[8][9][10]

Adverts

He starred in Thinkbox's award-winning advert "Every Home Needs a Harvey", and became better known to the public as his character in the advert, "Harvey".[3][11] By the end of 2010, the advert had been viewed on YouTube more than a million times, and had over 11,600 followers on Facebook.[3][12] The advert was named "Advert of the Year" by a poll of ITV viewers for 2010.[13][14] Sykes was Dog Trust's Canine Celebrity of the Year.[15]

In September 2010, the John Smith's Brewery advert "Dog Show" began to broadcast, starring Peter Kay and co-starring Sykes as the Jack Russell Terrier. Campaignlive named the ad as one of the Top Ten Best Dog Ads.[9]

Sykes starred in two more Thinkbox adverts. In 2012, he was with his best friend Rabbit. ' Harvey & Rabbit' appeared in Nielsen's study of the Most Liked Ads of 2012 and Campaign's Top 10 TV & Cinema Ads of 2012. In 2014, Harvey was with his leading lady, Harmony. ‘Harvey & Harmony’ was one of the nation's top ten most liked ads of 2015, according to a study by Ebiquity and TNS.[14]

In 2016, K-9 magazine considered Sykes as one of the top 5 dogs in television advertising.[16]

Television

Sykes' TV repertoire was as extensive as his movie appearances. In 2004, he starred in the children's TV series, In2Minds, as Zoe's pet dog, Sirius.[17] In 2005, Sykes was the dog in the baking commercial in the 4th episode of Series 1 of Doctor Who. He appeared in the British medical series, Casualty, and Dalziel & Pascoe (possibly Series 9), Heartbeat, and Holby City.[8] In 2006, Sykes starred in the TV movie, Pickles: The Dog Who Won the World Cup.[18] In 2007, Sykes appeared on Miss Marple, Series 3, Episode 3, as Donald, a disobedient dog running on the beach and smelling like fish. He even sat on Miss Marple's (Geraldine McEwan) lap. In Return to Cranford (December 2009), he played the part of William Buxton's (Tom Hiddleston) dog named Napoleon. In episode 1, he was very disobedient, but in episode 2, he was well-behaved. He also appeared in Doc Martin (2009), Series 4, Episode 1, as the lead dog of strays interested in the cow hearts the Doc (Martin Clunes) was carrying in a grocery bag. In New Tricks (2011), Series 8, Episode 2, Sykes was a homeless dog owned by a homeless young lady named Leah.

Sykes was then cast in Midsomer Murders after attracting the attention of series producer, Brian True-May, and appeared in every episode of the show's series 14 through 18 (inclusive).[19] He was DCI John Barnaby's (Neil Dudgeon) family dog. On several occasions, DCI Barnaby called his pet dog "Sykesie" instead of Sykes. Sykes appeared on the List of Midsomer Murders' supporting characters.

Agility competitions and other activities

During his pre-retirement years, Sykes attended fan conventions, and bank openings. He competed at Crufts[20] at the championship level, in agility, under the name of "Sykes of the Manor" with his handler, Alison Pearce.[21] In 2013, Sykes competed in the Discover Dogs Small Mixi Pairs alongside Fuzzy No Angel. In 2014, he was part of the Medium Novice ABC Team, Souldern Medley.

Retirement

During the filming of Midsomer Murders' series 18 (2015), Sykes' trainer, Gill Raddings, called the executive producer and said it was time to retire Sykes at the end of the year. She had noticed that he had started to go deaf.[22][23][24][25] Sykes appeared for the last time in episode 6 of Series 18, "Harvest of Souls." In episode 1 of Series 19 (2016), "The Village That Rose from the Dead," Sykes had passed, and a grave bearing a cross with his name was in the Barnaby backyard. Betty's pink bear was on top of Syke's grave. In episode 3 of Series 19 (2016), "Last Man Out," DI Ben Jones expressed his condolences to the Barnaby family for the loss of Sykes.

In January 2016, Sykes was in semi-retirement as the Gill Raddings Stunt Dogs website indicated that Sykes was no longer available for hire, but could be made available for producers he had previously worked for. On September 22, 2016, Midsomer Murders officially announced that Sykes, a veteran of the big and small screen, had retired.[19]

The official Harvey Facebook page showed that in September 2016, Harvey, Harmony, Rabbit, and the pups were relaxing. In December 2016, Sykes was running through the grounds of the Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa with a miniature replica of an Oscar in his mouth. Gill Raddings, his trainer, said that Sykes has never been happier. "He is loving life....He's been going for nice long walks every day and is sleeping a bit more on the sofa nowadays. Sykes has had a long working life, plus he's going a bit deaf now, so it was time for him to retire... He still gets recognized a lot, and people come up to him for selfies... He is a very happy chap and has earned every minute of his retirement." Sykes spent his retirement years with his foster family, initially one of two dogs, but over time became of one of six.[5]

Awards/Recognition
Country Organization Year Category/Event Work/Competition Result Notes
UK Dogs' Trust 2010 Canine Celebrity of the Year Thinkbox Advert, "Harvey" Won
UK The Kennel Club 2013 Crufts Agility Medium Novice ABC Qualified
UK The Kennel Club 2013 Discover Dogs Agility Small Mixi Pairs Quaified
UK The Kennel Club 2014 Crufts Agility Team - Medium Qualified

Death

On June 19, 2019, the official Midsomer Murders Facebook page reported that Sykes had died. Midsomer Murders co-producer Ian Strachan began the Facebook tribute by saying, "The best dog on the telly. Sad news that Midsomer's retired sidekick Sykes, loyal companion to John Barnaby and family passed away over the weekend."[5][26] His foster mom, Alison Pearce made a Facebook comment to the Midsomer Murders' tribute: "Forever in our hearts, cheeky boy. A pleasure to foster you for 16 years." She also clarified that he was actually 18 years of age when he died.[5]

Remembrance

Sykes was remembered as one of the "great pets that we have had the pleasure to cross paths with over the years on various British dramas and mysteries" in the article of February 20, 2021, "Remembering Midsomer Murders' Sykes and other 4-legged Screen Pets on National Love Your Pet Day 2021!"[27]

On August 26, 2021, International Dog Day, Sykes was the main topic of the article, "Remembering Midsomer Murders' Sykes and other 4-legged screen pets on International Dog Day 2021!"[28]

Filmography

Films
Year of

First Release

 Title Role Notes
2003 Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
2004 Alexander
2007 Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Dog on a leash being walked several times
2008 The Other Boleyn Girl A member King Henry VIII's canine court
2008 The Duchess
2009 Young Victoria
2010 The Wolfman
2010 Clash of the Titans
2010 Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
2010 Burke and Hare
2012 Snow White and the Huntsman

Adverts
Year Title Role Notes
2010 "Every Home Needs a Harvey" by Thinkbox Harvey
2010 John Smith Brewery with Peter Kay Tonto
2012 "Harvey and Rabbitt" by Thinkbox Harvey
2014 "Harvey and Harmony" by Thinkbox Harvey Last advert

Television
Year Title Role Notes
2004 In2Minds Sirius Zoe's pet dog, Children's TV series
2005 Doctor Who Dog in the baking commercial Series 1, Episode 4
2005 Dalziel & Pascoe Dog on a boat with fisherman
? Casualty
? Holby City
? Heartbeat
2006 Pickles: The Dog Who Won the World Cup Pickles TV movie
2007 Miss Marple Donald Series 3, Episode 3
2009 Doc Martin Lead dog of strays Series 4, Episode 1
2009 Return to Cranford Napoleon Miniseries, Episodes 1 and 2
2011 New Tricks Homeless dog Series 8, Episode 2, "End of the Line"; owned by Leah, a homeless young lady
2011-2012 Midsomer Murders, Series 14, 8 episodes Sykes (Sykesie) Introduced DCI John Barnaby's family, wife Sarah and pet dog, Sykes. Sykes was the first dog actor to be cast as a regular supporting character - he even had his own subplots. Dr. Kate Wilding was also introduced.
2012-2013 Midsomer Murders, Series 15, 6 episodes Sykes (Sykesie) DS Ben Jones last series.
2014 Midsomer Murders, Series 16, 5 episodes Sykes (Sykesie) DS Charlie Nelson is introduced and Betty Barnaby is born
2015 Midsomer Murders, Series 17, 4 episodes Sykes (Sykesie) Dr. Kate Wilding's last series.
2016 Midsomer Murders, Series 18, 6 episodes Sykes (Sykesie) Sykes was last seen in a VW van going on a family vacation in the episode, "Harvest of Souls." He was also barking as the VW van drove down the road.

Dr. Kam Karimore introduced, and this was also DS Charlie Nelson's last series.

2016 Agatha Raisin Series 1, Ep 8 Homeless dog Episode 8, "Murderous Marriage." In the beginning scenes, leashed dog walking beside a homeless couple pushing a shopping cart.

See also

References
  1. https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMidsomer/videos/342853276397946/
  2. Tuesday, Jill Harness •; July 31; AM, 2012 at 5:02. "The Most Famous Mutts Ever". Neatorama. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
  3. Sloan, Liam (1 February 2011). "How Sykes the Oxfordshire terrier became a TV star". The Oxford Times. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
  4. "Peter's 'Kay-nine' capers are best in John Smith's show". John Smith's Brewery. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
  5. Young, Bill (20 June 2019). "R.I.P. Sykes — DCI John Barnaby's loyal sidekick on 'Midsomer Murders' passes away at 16". Tellyspotting.kera.org. Retrieved 15 September 2019.
  6. "Country Life - Picture Library". www.countrylifeimages.co.uk. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
  7. "The Times & The Sunday Times". www.thetimes.co.uk. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  8. "Champion dogs: Acting Dog". Country Life. 28 January 2012. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  9. Day®, National Purebred Dog (25 August 2016). "Sykes". National Purebred Dog Day®. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  10. "'Midsomer Murders' celebrates 20 years of … murder". Tellyspotting. 7 April 2017. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  11. Sweeney, Mike (9 September 2010). "Dog has its day in Thinkbox campaign for power of TV advertising". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
  12. Day®, National Purebred Dog (15 December 2020). "Purebred Doggie Dates". National Purebred Dog Day®. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  13. "Ad of the Year 2010: the countdown". Thinkbox. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
  14. "Aliens invade TV ad breaks to announce their arrival Thinkbox's new TV ad launches on Boxing Day in collaborative, storytelling ad breaks". thinkbox. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  15. "Dog's Home: about Thinkbox's 2010 TV Ad". thinkbox. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  16. O'Meara, Kim (10 May 2016). "These 5 Dogs Are Taking the Advertising World by Storm". K9 Magazine. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  17. In2Minds, 4 October 2004, retrieved 28 July 2020
  18. Pickles: The Dog Who Won the World Cup, 3 June 2006, retrieved 31 July 2020
  19. Burton, Matt (22 September 2016). "DCI Barnaby is getting a new companion in Midsomer Murders as Sykes the dog retires". Radio Times. Retrieved 4 April 2019.
  20. "Sykes (Harvey) at Crufts 2013". March 2013.
  21. "Crufts 2014 Results |". crufts.fossedata.co.uk. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  22. "Midsomer Murders: Real reason DCI John Barnaby's dog Sykes left ITV drama revealed". Totalcelnews.com. 24 March 2020. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  23. "POPCORN ENTERTAINMENT REVIEWS". POPCORN ENTERTAINMENT REVIEWS. Retrieved 17 July 2020.
  24. Knox, David. "Midsomer Murders farewells TV pooch | TV Tonight". tvtonight.com.au/. Retrieved 20 July 2020.
  25. ""IT'S A DOG'S LIFE ON Midsomer Murders; ON THE SMALL SCREEN Midsomer Murders Is Back and MARION MCMULLEN Finds out Why One of the New Stars Will Do Anything for a Dog Biscuit" - The Journal (Newcastle, England), December 14, 2016". Archived from the original on 23 July 2020.
  26. "Midsomer Murders: What Happened To Barnaby's Dog Sykes?". ScreenRant. 29 February 2020. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  27. "Remembering Midsomer Murders' Sykes and other 4-legged screen pets on National Love Your Pet Day 2021!". Tellyspotting. 20 February 2021. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
  28. "Remembering Midsomer Murders' Sykes and other 4-legged screen pets on International Dog Day 2021!". Tellyspotting. 26 August 2021. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
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