The "loneliest dog" in Britain has had a surprising turn of fortune, landing a role in the new Transformers film.

Rescue dog Freya had been passed over by an estimated 18,000 visitors to the Merseyside animal shelter where she lives, but has now been talent-spotted via her Facebook page by Hollywood director Michael Bay.

The Staffordshire bull terrier was dubbed Britain's loneliest dog having been in the shelter for six years and provoked no interest from visitors.

Staff from Freshfields Animal Rescue say she may not have appealed to those looking to adopt as she is boisterous and suffers from epilepsy, for which she requires medication.

Freya's "doggie diary" Facebook page announced the exciting news: "I'm sure some of you have already heard my new and exciting news but Michael Bay has asked me to be in the new Transformers 5 film! Of course I have said yes."

The director of the popular Transformer franchise has reportedly said that if Freya doesn't find a home after appearing in the film, he will take her in himself.

Filming for the new Transformers film starts in the UK this summer.

Freya was also featured on ITV's Good Morning Britain last month.