Shropshire teenager Kate Nicholas and her dancing dog Gin missed out on the top prize of Britain’s Got Talent after break dancer George Sampson pipped them to the post and scooped the most votes.

Kate, from Norbury, near Whitchurch, and Gin took to the stage for the live final of the talent show on Saturday night. The pair performed the first routine they ever learned together to James Bond music.

Before performing for the judges, 16-year-old Kate said: “This is just the biggest moment in both our lives.”

The shy teenager said she and her beloved dog had shared everything together over the past six years, including birthdays and GCSE results.

Kate admitted to presenters Ant and Dec that she was shy but said it was Gin who gave her the confidence to go on stage.

Gin won a standing ovation from the audience and the judges after walking backwards, jumping over Kate’s pole, weaving between her legs and dancing around her.

Ant and Dec declared Gin “the most famous dog in Britain” as she licked Kate’s face at the end of the performance.

Judge Piers Morgan said the show had seen an animal “laying down the mark to the humans”.

Fellow judge Amanda Holden said: “The best thing about tonight was you smiling, Kate. You look like you were enjoying it as much as Gin. That was a world class act and I would love to see you at the Royal Variety.”

Simon Cowell declared Kate and Gin’s performance “totally unique”.

After hearing the judges’ comments, Kate said she was “very pleased and Gin loved it so I’m happy”.

Kate said if she had had the chance to perform in front of Prince Charles Gin would have probably given him a “big kiss”.

There were reports that Gin had almost been hit by a car shortly before the show.

She and Kate had been outside Fountain Studios in Wembley when a motorist came within inches of hitting the pooch.

The top dog is also thought to have been signed up for Crufts next year.

Despite missing out on the top prize, Kate and Gin are still set to take to the stage as part of the Britain’s Got Talent UK Tour.

Show winner 14-year-old George Sampson scooped the most votes in the final to win £100,000 and the chance to perform at the Royal Variety Performance.

Thirteen-year-old choir boy Andrew Johnston broke down in tears as he was named in third place, while dancers Signature were runners-up.

By Kirsty Marston and Deborah Collins