Die ’Ard 2

Fans stunned as Eastenders reveal off-screen death of Wellard the dog

SUCCESSOR Wellard II with Dean ORIGINAL Wellard I with the young Robbie Jackson (Dean Gaffney)

EASTENDERS viewers were shocked to be told a favourite cast member had died off-screen – Wellard the dog. The pet, full name Wellard II, was the second companion for Robbie Jackson, played by Dean Gaffney, after the original Wellard died in 2008 following a 14-year run. While the first Belgian Tervuren’s death was featured on the BBC1 soap, Wellard II’S passing was merely mentioned as happening off-screen. Robbie’s sister Sonia, played by Natalie Cassidy, broke the news as she visited June Brown’s character Dot Cotton in hospital, telling her: “Robbie lost Wellard II a while back.” One devastated viewer tweeted with a sad-face emoji: “Oh no, Wellard II died as well.” Another posted: “As if they didn’t try to make Robbie unlikeable enough, they’ve now revealed he’s careless with his pets. Poor Wellard II.” And one fan suggested: “It’s not right Robbie being back on the Square without a dog. Bring on Wellard the Third.” In 2005 Wellard I faced the threat of being put down after biting cafe owner Ian Beale in a scene on the soap. Then in 2008 he was put to sleep amid emotional scenes after being poisoned when Robbie’s sister Bianca, played by Patsy Palmer, accidentally fed him some chocolate. That same year he was voted best pet at the Digital Spy Soap Awards. Three female dogs played the original – Zenna, her daughter Chancer and granddaughter Kyte. Wellard II was played on screen by Zenna’s grandson Panther.