Thomas Chipperfield hasn't toured in the UK since 2015, when he did a summer of shows in Wales.
Sky News filmed a special report with the 28-year-old as he faced increasing pressure from animal rights groups but still had dozens of paying members of the public turn up regularly.
In 2016-2017 he toured Italy showing nightly crowds various tricks with his two lions and a tiger and is now waiting in the Midlands for the green light to once again tour in England.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has turned down his application, saying: "Mr Chipperfield has never held a licence for a travelling circus in England.