Jelly Bean and Jelly Tot calendar photoshoot

A Calendar Shoot with Pirelli Vibes and Terrier chaos

Every now and then a job comes along that makes you stop, scratch your head, and think: Is this really happening?
My recent Jelly Bean and Jelly Tot calendar photoshoot — the four-legged superstars of Henry Cole’s TV universe — was exactly that kind of day.

We didn’t quite have the lighting budget of the Pirelli Calendar, but we did match their commitment to drama — although in our case the drama came from Jelly Tot refusing to sit on a workbench still warm from a Norton engine rebuild.

For the uninitiated, Jelly Bean is Henry Cole’s Norwich Terrier, a pint-sized legend who regularly steals the show in Find It, Fix It, Flog It and Shed and Buried. She’s so adored she now has her own 2026 calendar, co-starring the latest addition to the dynasty, Jelly Tot. Move over Hollywood — the UK’s most bankable double act is two small dogs with enormous personalities.

The Cole Badlands: Sheds, Spanners & Surprises

Shooting the calendar meant full access to Henry’s world. An extraordinary labyrinth of sheds, workshops, garages, tool rooms, disused stables, and helicopter hangars, all packed to the rafters with decades of stories, grease, and glorious eccentricity.

These are the spaces where Henry dreams, tinkers, fixes, and philosophises — and the Jellies know every inch. They trotted around like they owned the place (which, to be fair, they probably do), fully at home among engine parts, vintage tools, and the unmistakable smell of WD-40.

The Jellies: Professionals With a Treat-Based Contract

I wasn’t surprised to discover that the dogs were naturals. Within minutes they understood that holding a pose and looking angelic resulted in a treat-to-body-weight ratio any actor would kill for. Jelly Bean gave me seasoned pro; Jelly Tot delivered chaotic charm with occasional bouts of diva.

We had our own on-set dog wrangler too — Henry’s wife Jane (who also happens to be my sister… how do you think I got such a plum job?). Her task was to ensure the girls stayed still, behaved beautifully, and didn’t wander off into a vat of machine oil. None of these pictures would have happened without her – she deserves a BAFTA.

Family Cameos

And just when I thought things couldn’t get any more surreal, my mum Pam decided to pop in to see what all the fuss was about — settling herself effortlessly into the director’s chair. She looked so comfortable I half-expected her to shout “Action!” and demand a cappuccino.

A Day of Laughter, Chaos & Two Very Good Girls

Photographing Jelly Bean and Jelly Tot was a hilarious, joyful, slightly bonkers experience — the kind of shoot where you realise why you love this job.
Why can’t all my models be this furry, cute and motivated entirely by sausages.

Got a motorbike-mad, shed-dwelling, petrol-head in your life? To pick up a calendar for Christmas, click on the picture below…. and Henry will even sign it for you.