A familiar nose to rail passengers across the North is set to appear on national television this week.
Nya, TransPennine Express’s (TPE’s) pioneering therapy dog, will feature on the BBC One daytime quiz show Bridge of Lies, hosted by Eastenders star Ross Kemp, which airs today (Tuesday 28 April), along with her owner Steve.
Presented by Kemp since launch in 2022, the Glasgow-filmed BBC One quiz show sees teams answer questions while crossing a dramatic digital bridge, dodging false answers to reach the cash prizes.
Nya, a seven‑year‑old German Shepherd, made history last year after TPE became the first train operator to have an official Pets as Therapy dog, and now she’s set to make history again as the first canine contestant on the popular teatime TV quiz.
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Alongside her owner, TPE’s safeguarding and crime prevention lead Stephen O’Callaghan, who is from Sheffield, Nya supports both customers and colleagues by helping to reduce stress and anxiety during travel.
Steve said: ‘’We had a great time filming the show with my friends and ex colleagues from Derbyshire Constabulary. She was really well looked after as she was the first canine contestant to feature on the show and she thoroughly enjoyed meeting Ross Kemp who is a fellow dog lover’’.
It took Steve three months to register Nya with Pets as Therapy and she is now a key part of the customer service pack.
She has quickly become a familiar and calming presence across the network. With her gentle temperament, she’s helped everyone from worried young travellers to adults having difficult days.
The pair also recently launched a new children’s book featuring Nya, in a bid to help young passengers feel more confident and reassured when travelling by train.
Steve, who spent two decades as a police officer before taking on his current role, said creating the book was a natural extension of the work Nya already does.
The Bridge of Lies episode featuring Nya and Steve is set to air today (Tuesday 28 April) at 4.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
