Love Island’s Chris Hughes is ready to take the next step with Little Mix girlfriend Jesy Nelson — and introduce her to his dog, writes Ruby Hinchcliffe at Crufts.

Chris, 26, admitted he had a bad case of puppy love as he paid a trip to the world famous Crufts dog show in Birmingham.

The couple got together last month, but have only just confirmed they are an item after sharing loved-up snaps on Instagram.

But Chris admits it will be a case of ‘love me, love my dog’, after bringing his beloved spaniel Busta to hang out with 27,000 other puppies and pooches.

Chris said:  “Jesy hasn’t met Busta yet but I know she will get on with him, she’s got two little puppies so hopefully everything will be good between them all.

“She’s so lovely and I’m just the happiest I’ve ever been, especially now it’s all official.

“Everything’s going really well. Obviously I’ve met a girl who’s really lovely and we get on like best mates as well.

“We’re from two completely different industries which I think helps and when you are so busy with your careers, it’s just nice to have something special.

“I’m just more settled with life in general. I’m relaxed with what I’m doing, I’m happy with my work and life.

“I’m working so hard and I’m obviously keeping out of trouble.”

Busta had never left Chris’ Cotswolds home until today with the star, known for his bromance with best mate Kem Cetinay and relationship with ex-Olivia Attwood, admitting he was nervous about how he’d react.

Chris said: “He’s loving his day out, he’s very excited but he’s also been well behaved.

“He is a cheeky-chappy. I thought he was going to be quite nervous today but he’s as good as gold and he’s just like lobbing around. He seems happy and he’s getting a bit more confident.

“We’ve always had dogs in our family, so I haven’t known any different.”

Chris owned his first dog, a black Labrador named Rolan, as a four-year-old and believes that life with a four-legged friend has helped him in his battles with mental health.

Chris said: “I suffered from mental health myself and anxiety in my late teens.

“I spoke to my mum, I saw a hypnotherapist and by the age of 21 I haven’t had too much anxiety, I think owning dogs is a great way to help too.

“You need to remember that dogs suffer with anxiety as well. Nearly 90 per cent of owners admit that their dogs do suffer with nerves and anxiety, whether it’s firework night, leaving them at home or travelling in the car and stuff like that.”

While Chris and Jesy might be lucky in love, former Hollyoaks and Celebs Go Dating star Jorgie Porter is saving her heart for someone else.

Currently starring in musical Fame, the 31-year old actress - at Crufts with her Bichon Frise cross Jack Russell Terrier Lady - said: “Lady literally sleeps in my bed, so I’m not looking for love.”