Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster cosy up in rare snap after slamming rift rumours

Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster looked as happy as ever as they cosied up for a new snap. The couple posed alongside their beloved dog Lilly, once again squashing any rumours of a "rift".

In a post shared by animal charity Celia Hammond Animal Trust, Rod and Penny were all smiles as they cuddled up to their pet Labradoodle.

Penny, 53, sported a pair of wide-leg blue jeans and a short sleeved white top, while the Maggie May hitmaker opted for a partially unbuttoned white shirt teamed with a pair of black trousers featuring white flecks.

The pair sat on their picture perfect lawn with their pooch perched in between them. The Celia Hammond Animal Trust provides low-cost veterinary services to sick and injured pets.

The charity, close to Penny and Rod's hearts, also rescues unwanted or abandoned stray cats. Sharing their story about Lilly with Hello! Magazine, the couple said: "Lilly, our rescue dog from Battersea, came into our lives just before lockdown. She shows us her gratitude every day with her love, protection and loyalty."

They added: "She doesn't leave our sides and is the best guard dog, warning us of anyone approaching ten minutes before we know they're even close. Lilly's unconditional love is like no other. We may have rescued her, but we are so blessed to have found her."

In the charity's new Hopelessly Devoted campaign, a number of celebrities have signed up to celebrate the incredible bond they share with their pets. Rod and Penny have contributed to the cause, as well as Lorraine Kelly, Arlene Phillips and Johnny Depp.

It comes weeks after Rod hit back at rumours his 17-year marriage was under strain. In an Instagram post, he began: "We wanted to set the record straight. There is absolutely no rift between Penny and I and no disagreement over where we should reside, in fact it's the opposite.

"We moved back to our beloved Britain a year ago but are fortunate enough to also have homes in different countries, which we love to visit."

The rock icon continued: "Originally we did think it made sense to sell our house in LA, but having spent a wonderful time there this summer with family and friends during my Vegas residency, we realised that it makes sense to keep our house there.

"Two of my eldest children still live in Celtic House (the LA residence). Penny and I could not be more in love with each other after 27 glorious years. Please trust me on this... there's no disharmony in our marriage." He signed off the post: "Rod 'a very lucky man' Stewart."