Me & My Pet: Glynis Barber and Michael Brandon

We caught up with Glynis Barber and Michael Brandon, the British acting couple famous for the 1980s police drama, Dempsey and Makepeace, about their latest projects and life with their adored Maltipoo, Gigi.

What are you both up to at the moment?

“I’m about to start rehearsing for a big new production of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile. We open at the Lowry in Manchester on the 26th September and then will be touring around the UK with it until next May. Michael is busy doing appearances and signings for his new book, “That’s All I’m Sayin'”.

Tell us about Michael’s new book and ‘Ageless’

“It’s a memoir that charts his childhood in Brooklyn New York and his random decision to become an actor. This led him from Broadway to Hollywood where he worked with and befriended many known stars. He eventually found his way to London to work on Dempsey and Makepeace when he met me.

My passion has long been health. It may be something that everyone is into now, but I’ve been walking this path since the 1980’s. I started my website agelessbyglynisbarber.com in 2012 and was pretty much a lone voice for healthy living and natural beauty. Since then, there’s been an explosion of influencers and biohackers. I took Ageless to Instagram during the pandemic in 2021 and also started the Ageless YouTube channel at that time.

Ageless has been featured in The Mail on Sunday in the last year, as well as This Morning on ITV. Earlier this year, The Lorraine Show asked me to create 3 episodes geared toward health and beauty. I chose exercise, stress management and skincare. They can all be found on the Ageless website.”

When did you get Gigi and what breed is she?

“We got Gigi in August 2019 and she’s a Maltipoo. I had a few friends with this breed and thought they were adorable but I held back. A friend who had one kept sending photos of the breeder’s new litters. They would go in a nano second! However, in late August of 2019, there was one left for some reason and no one bought her. My friend kept sending photos saying she’s obviously waiting for you. I inevitably ended up taking her.”

What is a typical day for you both and Gigi?

“Gigi sleeps on our bed and always waits for us to wake up before she makes a move. The moment I open my eyes, she comes over for a lick. A long lick. Then we get up and I prepare her breakfast. Next, she’ll be bugging us for a walk – she can be quite pushy and will paw at our legs until we take her! She’s also very determined to go in the direction she chooses. She’s a bossy little boots and very determined for a cute little fur ball. She’s very playful and when she wakes up, she brings us lots of toys for us to throw.

After her walk, Gigi likes to chill and will nap for a lot of the day. However, if we go for a coffee or a little outing we try and take her with us. She loves coffee outings as it usually means a treat for her. In the evening, she perks up and wants to play, play, play. We’ll usually take her for another little walk in the late afternoon.

When Michael and I sit on the sofa in the evening trying to watch TV, she sees us as being there solely to play with her. Gigi will bring us a never ending array of toys. I can’t even remember what it’s like to watch TV uninterrupted!”

Does Gigi have a favourite – you or Michael?

“Gigi loves us both equally, but I would say I have the edge. I’m her mum and took her to puppy school. If she hears my voice, she’ll stop whatever she’s doing and give me her full attention. But Michael is tough competition. He spoils her and gives her way too many treats. I always worry when I’m away for long periods for work that she’ll become his. I’ve had a word with her as I start my play. And with him!”

Does Gigi have a best friend?

“She adores one of our neighbours so much and goes crazy whenever she sees him. She’s not really into other dogs that much, Gigi seems to prefer humans.”

Does she have some favourite parks, cafes, to go to with you?

“Gigi loves Richmond Park and anywhere with lots of grass and open space. I love to see her running freely with her ears flapping in the wind! She adores going to our local coffee shop and whenever we walk past, she tries to drag me in. She heads straight to for their treat drawer!”

What difference has Gigi made to your lives and are there any life lessons she has taught you?

“We got Gigi about 6 months before the first lockdown. She made it so much more bearable. I’m always rushing around and busy, but she motivates me to stop, take a break, and just sit and hang out.”

Any funny incidents involving Gigi?

“Gigi does this ridiculously cute little roll over when she wants to play. I’ve actually got it on film and it looks so staged, but it’s not! She loves to play games as well. We play hide and seek and I hide treats around the house for her to find.”

Does she enjoy watching you on TV?

“She’s not interested in TV at all. However, she did star in Antiques Roadshow with us earlier this year. She behaved impeccably through long days of filming. I was so proud of her.”

Anything you feel particularly strongly about with regard to animal welfare?

“I do worry about the mistreatment of animals. It seems unbelievable that anyone can hurt an animal but sadly, it happens. I’m also astounded about the ridiculous cost of vets and medical procedures for animals these days. Often more expensive than it is for humans. It’s not right and I think it needs to be investigated and regulated.”

Is there anywhere you would like to travel with Gigi?

“We’ve never been abroad with Gigi, but might try doing so next year. We do like to take her away with us for weekends in England though. We’re heading to The Summer Lodge Country Hotel in Dorset soon and can’t wait to try this very pet-friendly hotel. It looks amazing!”

On behalf of Glynis, PetsPyjamas are donating £500 to Glynis’s chosen charity: Celia Hamond Animal Trust. They offer low cost vet services to people and offers such a valuable service!